The awards recognise character and service
The High Sheriff of Greater London honoured members of the public and young volunteers whose actions helped bring offenders to justice and supported communities across the capital.
Dhruv Patel CBE presented Justice Awards and Youth Awards at the Inner London Crown Court on June 2, 2026, recognising individuals who demonstrated courage, public spirit and service to others.
The event was hosted with the support of His Honour Judge Michael Evans KC, Resident Judge and Honorary Recorder of Southwark.
Representatives from the judiciary, civic organisations, policing, the fire service and voluntary emergency services attended to celebrate those who have made significant contributions 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 honoured for their actions following the Christmas Day 2024 West End attack. During the incident, Anthony Gilheaney used his car as a weapon, killing 25-year-old Aidan Chapman and injuring several others.
Mashood, an Uber driver whose vehicle was rammed during the attack, remained calm and immediately helped police by reporting Gilheaney’s movements.
Yumil stayed at the scene, took detailed notes and prepared a map that later assisted the trial.
Their actions supported 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 for his actions following a serious sexual offence in south-west London.
Then a schoolboy, May helped identify and follow the suspect, using his phone to record what he witnessed while assisting others until police arrived.
The sentencing judge later noted that the offender’s arrest, trial and conviction were a direct result of May’s intervention.
His award recognised his bravery, public-spiritedness and willingness to assist another young person in distress.
The ceremony also celebrated 13 young Londoners through the High Sheriff of Greater London Youth Awards. Recipients included nine London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets and four St John Ambulance Cadets.
The awards recognise character and service rather than academic or sporting achievement.
This year’s recipients were honoured for mentoring younger cadets, supporting peers with additional needs, volunteering in their communities, promoting inclusion, fundraising, improving community safety and continuing to help others while overcoming personal challenges.
Patel 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 King Charles III as his representative to the justice system in Greater London.
The role supports and encourages those working across the courts, prisons, probation services, policing, emergency services and the 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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