A MAN whose public spirited actions won the praise of York's top judge wants to help drug addicts kick their habit.

Carl Nickson, 30, was speaking after Lord Mayor Cllr Barbara Boyes gave him a £200 reward and a special certificate for bringing drug dealer Massimo Rebecchi to justice.

York Crown Court heard how he spotted the dealer carrying out a street deal in Coney Street, tipped off police, shadowed the dealer while he did a deal in Tower Street and kept him in sight until officers arrested him.

"If more people were prepared to act as Mr Nickson did on this day, dealers would think twice about dealing on the street in our towns and cities," said the Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Batty QC said at the ceremony which was also witnessed by Judge Andrew Stubbs QC.

Mr Nickson said he would give the reward to Lifeline, a charity which helps drug addicts kick their habit.

"It's amazing to get an award," he said. "It's a proud moment for me. But I didn't do it for a reward, I did it for the city. I personally don't think I have done anything special. I think it is everyone's duty to report things to the police."

He said he hoped the drug dealer's arrest and punishment would act as a wake-up call and lead to him quitting crime and that he wanted other drug addicts and users to get the support they need to get out of crime.

Rebecchi, 50, of Lumley Road, off Burtonstone Lane, Clifton, was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years on condition he commits no more offences and does 120 hours' unpaid work.

At the same ceremony at York Crown Court, Billy Hatfield received a certificate of commendation and a £500 reward for fighting off the robber who tried to rob him as he was withdrawing money from a cash machine.

Judge Batty said when the robber jumped into a waiting getaway car, Mr Hatfield grabbed the car door handle and hung on as long as he could. The robber and the getaway driver were arrested shortly afterwards.

"This court salutes the bravery of Mr Hatfield," said the judge.

The ceremony was the first at which a Lord Mayor handed out the certificates.