A PINT-SIZED pensioner has told how he saved his neighbour from being abducted by battering her knife-wielding attacker with his walking stick.Aubrey Woods, 78, watched from his window as Sarah Thornton was dragged out into the road screaming by Kevin McCarthy, whom she had briefly dated after they met through a singles agency.

A PINT-SIZED pensioner has told how he saved his neighbour from being abducted by battering her knife-wielding attacker with his walking stick.

Aubrey Woods, 78, watched from his window as Sarah Thornton was dragged out into the road screaming by Kevin McCarthy, whom she had briefly dated after they met through a singles agency.

The 5ft 5ins tall pensioner – who is nicknamed Titch – went to help as fast as he could, repeatedly striking McCarthy over the head with his stick until he let go of his victim.

As revealed in the Weekend Star, McCarthy, 46, of Brandeston Road, Earl Soham, is now beginning a jail sentence of almost four years. He had pleaded guilty to attempted kidnap, wounding and affray at an earlier court hearing.

Mr Woods, of Thoney Green, Stowupland, who is now set to receive an award for his efforts on September 22 last year, said: "I didn't have any time to think. I just heard the girl screaming and looked out of the window and saw him dragging her out towards the road.

"I grabbed my walking stick and went out there and took one look at him and saw he had a knife and I thought I have to try and knock him out.

"It wasn't easy. I had to struggle to get five blows before he eventually went down. All I was concerned about was the girl because she's a good neighbour.

"When I first went to school they used to read us stories about a knight in shining armour who saved a damsel in distress so you're duty bound to do the same. It's just the way I was brought up."

During Friday's hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, Judge John Devaux said he would be recommending Mr Woods for a certificate of commendation.