London Daily
Focus on the big picture.

LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

Prince William gives medal to woman after Rhondda attack

Ayette Bounouri, who bravely confronted an armed attacker, has been awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for her bravery. In May 2020, she tried to stop Zara Radcliffe after Radcliffe attacked a man with a knife at a Co-op store in Penygraig, Rhondda.

01 November 2023 · 22:02 UTC

Bounouri attempted to drag the victim, John Rees, to safety while using a shopping basket to disarm Radcliffe, who had schizophrenia. Mr. Rees, an 88-year-old grandfather, tragically lost his life during the incident and was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal earlier.

Lisa Way, a nurse who intervened alongside Bounouri, was also recognized with the honor. Ayette Bounouri was recognized by Prince William during a ceremony at Windsor Castle. Bounouri expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the difficult situation but also celebrating the friendships formed as a result of the tragedy.

Zara Radcliffe was detained under a hospital order after pleading not guilty to murder but later admitted manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility. A review found that warning signs regarding Radcliffe's mental health condition had been missed by health professionals leading up to the incident, and the health board apologized for any shortcomings in her care.