Hull hotel receptionist honoured with award after protecting woman from 'volatile' man

A Hull hotel receptionist who helped a vulnerable woman from a "volatile" man has been honoured for her outstanding courage at the national Police Chiefs Council's annual Police Public Bravery Awards.

Jodie Offen was recognised for her selfless actions as one of the gold winners at the prestigious ceremony hosted by South Yorkshire Police, which took place at The Cutlers' Hall, in Sheffield, on Thursday evening.

Jodie was working a night shift at a hotel in Hull on June 11, 2023 when she became concerned by the arrival of two guests - a "volatile" man with facial injuries, and a woman. She went to the room several times to check on the woman and, during one trip, heard her becoming distressed. Jodie believed the man was attempting to rape the woman.

She knocked on the door and, when the woman said she was not ok, helped her to leave. Jodie bravely stood between the woman and the man, who had become violent and shouted at her.

Jodie took the woman to a staff room and called the police. When officers arrived, the man began "fighting" with officers, Humberside Police say.

Jodie assisted police throughout the incident while supporting the woman and stayed on duty after her shift to provide statements to officers.

Humberside Police Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said: “Jodie should be incredibly proud of what she did that day. With no thought for her own safety, she put herself in harm’s way whilst helping safeguard a vulnerable member of our community.

“It takes a great deal of bravery to support another person - often a stranger - or support the police in their jobs, especially without the same level of training, knowledge or safety equipment.

“The outstanding courage and compassion Jodie displayed needed to be recognised and it is my honour to nominate Jodie for this award."

The Police Public Bravery Awards honour selfless members of the public who have put themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.