The High Sheriff of Greater London, Dhruv Patel CBE, presented Justice Awards and Youth Awards at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday 2 June 2026, recognising members of the public and young Londoners who have shown courage, public spirit and service to others.
The ceremony was hosted at Inner London Crown Court with the support of His Honour Judge Michael Evans KC, Resident Judge and Honorary Recorder of Southwark. The awards brought together representatives from the judiciary, civic life, policing, the fire service and the voluntary emergency services to celebrate individuals whose actions have made a meaningful contribution to justice and community life in London.
The High Sheriff’s Justice Awards recognise members of the public who have assisted the courts and helped bring offenders to justice, often in difficult or dangerous circumstances. Hasan Mashood and Maria Sophia Yumil were awarded in recognition of their bravery and public spiritedness following the Christmas Day 2024 West End attack in which Anthony Gilheaney used his car as a weapon, killing 25-year-old Aidan Chapman and injuring others. Mr Mashood, an Uber driver whose vehicle was rammed during the incident, remained calm and immediately assisted police by reporting Gilheaney’s movements, while Ms Yumil stayed at the scene, made careful notes and prepared a map which later assisted the trial. Their actions helped the investigation and prosecution of Gilheaney who was convicted at the Old Bailey and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years.
Felix May also received a High Sheriff of Greater London Justice Award in recognition of his selfless, courageous and quick-witted actions following a serious sexual offence in south-west London. Then a schoolboy, Felix acted swiftly to help identify and follow the suspect, using his phone to record what he saw and assisting others until police arrived. The sentencing judge later noted that it was as a direct result of Felix’s actions that the offender was arrested, tried and convicted. His award recognises bravery, public spiritedness and a remarkable willingness to help another young person in distress.
The ceremony also recognised 13 young Londoners through the High Sheriff of Greater London Youth Awards: nine London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets and four St John Ambulance Cadets. The Youth Awards celebrate character and service rather than academic or sporting achievement, recognising young people who have shown resilience, kindness, leadership, responsibility and public spirit. This year’s recipients were honoured for a wide range of contributions, including mentoring younger cadets, supporting peers with additional needs, volunteering many hours in service of their communities, promoting inclusion, fundraising for good causes, helping improve community safety, and continuing to serve others while overcoming personal challenges of their own.
Dhruv Patel CBE, High Sheriff of Greater London, said:
“The stories we have heard today remind us that the strength of our society does not rest solely with institutions. It rests with individuals: people who choose to help, people who choose to speak up, and people who choose to take responsibility. The recipients of these awards did not seek recognition. In many cases, it would have been easier to walk away or leave it to someone else. Instead, they chose to do the right thing. That courage, public spirit and sense of service deserve our deepest thanks.”
The High Sheriff of Greater London is appointed by His Majesty The King as his representative to the justice system in Greater London. The role supports and encourages those who serve across the courts, prisons, probation, policing, emergency services and voluntary sector.
Dignitaries present included:
- Dhruv Patel CBE, High Sheriff of Greater London
- Biagio Fraulo JP, Under Sheriff of Greater London
- Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London
- HHJ Michael Evans KC, Resident Judge and Honorary Recorder of Southwark
- Lord Justice Green, Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales
- Commander Caroline Haines, Metropolitan Police
- Richard Field, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade
- Emilio Chiquito JP, St John Ambulance
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