Sheffield school staff collect royal awards for helping to stop attack by former student
Receptionist Alicia Richards and youth worker Molly Bulmer have been awarded the King's Commendation for Bravery
Last updated 27th Mar 2026
Two members of staff at a Sheffield school have been collected royal awards, for their efforts to protect colleagues and students during an attack involving a former pupil in 2024.
Receptionist Alicia Richards and youth worker Molly Bulmer have been awarded the King's Commendation for Bravery for tackling then 17 year old Louise Melotte, who turned up to Birley Academy with a shared of broken glass.
He has been given a 10-year extended sentence comprising five years in a young offender institution and an extended licence period of five years for the assault.
Both Alicia and Molly attended St James's Palace, London, earlier this week to collect their awards from King Charles himself.
Molly has since moved on to a new job as a Youth and Integration Officer at Sheffield Wednesday.
Marcus Brameld, Head of Community at Sheffield Wednesday, said:
“This is such an honour and so thoroughly deserved. We are all hugely proud of Molly in every way.
“Molly has always been an outstanding member of the community team. Her passion, commitment and resilience is truly inspiring.
“She’s an inspiration not only to our team but also to the participants on the many fantastic projects she works on.”
Speaking in October 2024, DCI Knowles of South Yorkshire Police said: "Ms Richards and Ms Bulmer showed incredible bravery. Without hesitation, they put themselves in harm's way to protect the children at that school and I am delighted their actions have been recognised through these certificates of commendation.
"The incident, which was captured on CCTV and has since been released to the public, shows how both of these women bravely faced some of the most extreme violence imaginable without any thought for their own safety.
"Their actions that day prevented Melotte gaining access to the building, allowing school staff the time to initiate lockdown procedures and keep all the children in their care safe from harm.
"I have no doubts whatsoever that it was the actions of Ms Richards and Ms Bulmer that saved the community of Birley from what could have been the most unimaginable tragedy and I am truly humbled by their courage."