Connor Sullivan is awarded the Bravery & Meritorious Conduct Award for his actions to protect female customers who had been subjected to a drink spiking incident
The incident occurred at the Standing Order, Wetherspoons, Derby in February 2025, when two female customers had left their drinks unattended on a table when they went to the venue toilets. On their return they noticed what appeared to be a white substance floating on the top of one of the glasses.
They went to the bar and spoke to the duty manager, Connor Sullivan and informed him that a male customer who had been near to them was acting suspiciously. Connor assessed the situation and discovered that the female had taken three sips from her glass.
He moved the females to a different area of the bar and requested that another member of staff remail with them whilst he reviewed the CCTV. When he checked the CCTV, he saw that the male had approached the females table and sprinkled something into both customers drinks.
Connor returned to the bar and instructed staff to continue serving the male, so as to avoid suspicion whilst he notified the police of the situation. Police arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect.
The suspect was interviewed by police. During the interview he told officers that he had thought that the females had left the pub and he had poured what he thought was cocaine into the glasses to drink himself.
On 23nFebruary 2026, the suspect admitted attempting to unlawfully or maliciously administer a poison or noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy and was sentenced to 7 months imprisonment, suspended for 15 months.
Speaking after the offender was sentenced Detective Constable James Tomlinson said that the incident could have very serious consequences for the two women and he praised the actions of staff.
He said “I would like to commend the actions of the staff in the bar on this evening: their diligence prevented these women from coming to any harm, but the speed with which they identified the offence and suspect meant officers were able to attend immediately and arrest Millward.
This was an excellent example of licensed premises looking out for their customers.”
