A WEST Hill man received a �10,000 reward after information he gave police led to the arrest of a violent rapist- and then handed all the money to the victim.

A WEST Hill man received a �10,000 reward after information he gave police led to the arrest of a violent rapist- and then handed all the money to the victim.

Kind-hearted Lloyd Gardner, 22, didn't think twice about handing over the life-changing sum in the hope it would help a woman who was left for dead after a horrific attack in Exeter in 2006.

Lloyd received a police commanders' award after he gave detectives vital information that helped them trace her attacker to Poland. The man was subsequently arrested, brought back to the UK, and handed two life-sentences for the crime.

Lloyd, who is a manager at a national food chain in Exeter, was offered a �10,000 reward for his involvement in the case, but told officers he wanted the victim to have the cash.

"I didn't feel like I'd earned it," he said. "The fact that such a horrific thing happened to that lady, I thought it would benefit her life more than it would mine. I just wanted to try and improve her standard of life.

"It is a huge amount of money but I've been lucky throughout my life, she nearly died and was left in a horrendous state after the attack. I thought the money would go a lot further to improve her situation. I just wanted to help in any way possible and I hope this has done that."

Lloyd responded to a television appeal over the attack. He had worked with two Polish girls spotted on CCTV with a suspect, but both had had since returned to their homeland. Thanks to information from Lloyd and a colleague, detectives were able to trace the girls, who eventually led them to the attacker.

"I thought what I told police was quite minor at the time," said Lloyd, "but they told me it was what they needed and had been a vital part of the case."

After his award acclaim, Lloyd has been chosen by Ottery's neighbourhood police team to officially open their new Broad Street base on Thursday (October 15).

Sergeant Nick Harper has bagged his number one choice to open the station, and described Lloyd's act of kindness as "unbelievable". He added: "Lloyd's a perfect choice. He's already been recognised by our organisation and lives on our patch. He is an outstanding member of the community."

Modest Lloyd, who grew up in West Hill, said: "It was a big surprise, I wasn't expecting that phone call.

"I don't feel I deserve all this attention but it's quite an honour, not many people get that offer so I had to take it up."

ENDS