Timothy Smits

Londoner of the Day goes to hero Tim Smits who stepped in when he saw a thug abusing OAPs on the bus – but who paid heavily for his bravery.

Aussie Mr Smits refused to be a bystander when three elderly ladies were targeted by yob Sanchez Brown on the 488 service, last September.

Admitting the burly Brown was ‘scary’ looking, Mr Smits nonetheless pressed ahead and stood up to the coward from Lower Clapton Road, in Hackney.

Protecting his fellow passengers resulted in Islington resident Mr Smits suffering two stab wounds – in the stomach and leg.

His injuries have not yet fully healed, so that every day is a reminder of that terrifying incident at the hands of a knife-wielding attacker.

Closure for Mr Smit is drawing nearer, after he attended court to watch Brown admit wounding with intent - with prison likely to follow.

“Being in court brought everything back to the surface, but I haven’t got any closure because he hasn’t been sentenced,” said Mr Smits.

“I know he will go to prison, but I don’t know how long for.

“His sentence should send a message that if you do the crime you do the time, not just for me, but for the safety of the wider community.

“When I saw him in court my heart started racing. I remember him being a pretty scary looking lad on the bus – one of the scariest people I have ever been face-to-face with. He looked equally intimidating in court – it’s hard to believe he was only 18.”

For many of us who wonder what we would do if confronted by a situation in which we feel morally obliged to intervene, Mr Smits is an example of doing the honourable thing.

What a shame he paid for his bravery in the way he did.