A DAD who had been having a "bad day" sussed that a bank robber was using a fake gun and chased him down the street.
He walking into the Lloyds bank in Coulsdon, Croydon, only to be stopped in his tracks by James Rowley who looked like he could just not be bothered to entertain the fantasy of the robber.
The heroic 34-year-old called Fernandez out on using a fake weapon until he fled empty-handed.
Fernandez tried to escape on a push-bike but the window cleaner ran after him, grabbing him until police arrived.
HAVE A GO HERO: Andrew Fernandez tried to hold up James Rowley unsuccessfully in a bank [PA] Mr Rowley simply said of his heroic act: "He got me on the wrong day."“I thought that the gun wasn't real and therefore I knew I had to act”James Rowley
The criminal later pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery and was sentenced to life in prison.
He was also handed a further eight years for firearms offences.
Mr Rowley has since been presented with a cheque for £1,200 from the sheriff's fund for his bravery.
He said: "When I saw him enter the bank waving the gun around, making demands I just acted on instinct.
"I thought that the gun wasn't real and therefore I knew I had to act.
"At the time I didn't think it was brave I thought it was my duty to get involved ignoring it was not the answer.
"What's happened since then with receiving an Assistant Commissioner's commendation and now being awarded a police bravery award, I am humbled."
Detective Sergeant David Barnfather, from the Met's Flying Squad, said: "The bravery of James Rowley was truly remarkable in confronting what was for all intents and purposes, an armed and extremely dangerous criminal.
"Mr Rowley's courage and sense of civic duty are to be applauded and thanks to him Fernandez is behind bars."
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