A bus passenger who helped save a woman who was sexually harassed and assaulted by a stranger has been recognized for his bravery.

Mr Coates’ actions were recognized at the annual Chief Constable Awards held earlier this month at The Comis Hotel in Douglas.

He received the Chief Constable’s commendation for “bravery and courage”.

Mr Coates stepped in to help on Tuesday, May 14 this year, when the teenager was on a bus traveling from Port Erin. She was approached by Teare, who was unknown to her.

Teare sat in front of the young woman, but then moved to the seat across the aisle from her and then sat next to her, so close that he was practically on top of her.

Teare then kissed the side of her face before putting an arm around her neck.

He then pulled her towards him and tried to kiss her with his tongue out, telling her “Kiss me, you’re fit”.

He put his free hand under her top in an onslaught that lasted about 30 seconds and tried to kiss her again before rubbing his hand against her leg and assaulting her again.

Panicking, she jumped to her feet, telling him she was going to speak to a friend and walked to the back of the bus where she asked Mr Coates to pretend he knew her and told him what had happened by texting on his mobile.

Mr Coates encouraged her to get off the bus at the next stop with him to get away from Teare, despite Mr Coates having to travel to Douglas.

The woman got off the bus with Mr Coates in Castletown and he escorted her to a pub where he knew the manager and where he thought she would feel safe. Despite this, Teare followed her and tried to catch her before he was kicked out.

Without Mr Coates’ actions, police believe Teare would have tried to commit further offences.

During Teare’s sentencing – for which he was jailed for 33 months – Deemster Cook highlighted the brave actions of Mr Coates and fully supported a request to commend the police.

The annual Chief Constable Awards were attended by distinguished guests including Her Excellency Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jane Poole-Wilson and Chief Home Officer Dan Davies.

Also recognized for his bravery was Nick Perkins, who now lives in Australia but returned to the island earlier this year.

On the evening of April 6, 2024, Nick and his twin sister Emily were celebrating their 40th birthday at Laxey Sailing Club.

During the evening, Nick left the bar and heard something that caught his attention. After following the noise, Nick saw a distressed man enter the water near the boat ramp in Laxey Harbor.

Nick ran to the riverbed and waded into waist-deep water and managed to pull the man out of the water.

This isn’t the first time Nick has risked his own safety to help others. In 2017, he bravely entered the crocodile-infested waters of Australia to save several people.

The annual awards ceremony honors outstanding achievements in various categories, celebrating long service, academic excellence, acts of courage, determination and outstanding achievement.