Image: South Yorkshire Police

Officers tracked Holmes down and after pleading guilty to sexual assault, he is now serving a four-and-a-half year jail sentence for the attack.

South Yorkshire Police superintendent Scott Green said: “The horrifying assault culminated in the woman being forced into a nearby hedge whilst the male tried to get on top of her, groping her and telling her ‘you’re going to enjoy this’.”

Honouring the woman with the award, Police Superintendent Green told her: “You displayed an astonishing level of bravery during this investigation, your actions undoubtedly deterred the offender from continuing his assault and your detailed recollection of such a traumatic event, led to the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of a very dangerous criminal.

“As a husband, as the father of a daughter and on behalf of every woman in this city, I commend you.

“On behalf of South Yorkshire Police we recognise your bravery, selflessness and truly outstanding courage in helping make this city a safer place for every woman in it.”

The woman told Sheffield Crown Court: “I believed without a doubt this man was going to rape me. My life would have been over - he might as well have killed me right there. I was so terrified but so angry.”

Woman receives bravery award for fighting off sex attacker with her keys