AN AUTHOR and photographer who stopped a young woman being raped in a hotel is to be officially recognised for his bravery.

Peter Paul Hartnett is a former pupil of St Benedict's School in Ealing. 

A year ago, he was one of many who assisted Operation Winter Key in the investigation and subsequent trial of a former Ealing Abbey abbot at the Old Bailey.

He was visiting London on a trip to mentor students when he heard the late-night attack taking place in the hotel room above his own.

He managed to intervene and halt the assault and is being awarded £500 by the High Sheriff of Greater London for his brave actions.

The man responsible for trying to rape the woman received a 50-month prison sentence.

After hearing screaming, Mr Hartnett said he went up to investigate and knocked on the door.

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Initially, he got no response, but when there was another muffled scream, he opened the door and heard a woman struggling to breathe.

He saw Abbasi pinning the victim against a wall and holding her in an arm lock.

Mr Hartnett said the attacker was naked and drunk.

"I told another guest, who was in the corridor, to run to reception and get security, the police and paramedics,” he said.

"There was blood on the walls and I later found out the woman had broken ribs.

"When the security turned up they dealt with the man, though afterwards he was abusive and aggressive towards me in reception. He tried to run away but he was caught.

"I believe we all have a duty to assist when there's need."

The judge said at the trial QC: "Mr Hartnett's intervention protected this woman from the attack she was suffering.

"Many might have delayed or resisted taking the action he took, which without doubt saved this situation from being much more serious than it actually was."