A National Pubwatch Star Award was presented to doorman at a Reading Pubwatch 20th anniversary event.
Aaron Lewis was working at Walkabout Reading where at approximately 02:10 on Sunday 11th of February he was stood to the left of the main entrance by the fruit machines when a female came running to him and frantically told him that he needed to get downstairs to the toilet area. She was saying that there is blood everywhere. Aaron was first on the scene and radioed other colleagues to attend. As he arrives outside the toilets, he saw a male on the floor surrounded by blood. A female member of the public was compressing his neck with a jumper. Aaron immediately went to help compressing the wounds to the males’ neck and head.
The Police and Ambulance services were called while he continued to compress the wounds to the male. Once the police arrive one of the officers took over from him and he went to find a first aid kit. Once he had the first aid kit he returned to the officers and handed it to them. Aaron then returned upstairs to help clear the venue as this was an emergency and door staff needed to clear the venue as soon as possible.
Aaron hasn’t been with the company long but has proven himself to be a valuable member of the team. As mentioned by the police on scene and in previous Pubwatch meetings his quick actions would have helped preserve the life of the male as best as he could. Aaron has continued to work after the incident unphased and professional in all his duties.
On 21 August 2024 the offender was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 26 years imprisonment. The Reading Chronicle reported on the victims injuries which had included losing the use of his left hand, having part of his skull removed and needing round-the-clock care, including dressing and bathing.
The Star Award is sponsored by HIT Training www.hittraining.co.uk
