A Derbyshire pub manager has been recognised for his quick actions, which saw a man handed a suspended prison sentence in relation to a drink-spiking incident.

A National Pubwatch Bravery & Meritorious Conduct Award has been presented to Connor Sullivan, a manager at Wetherspoon’s Standing Order pub in Derby, in recognition for his actions to protect women following a drink spiking incident.

Connor was recognised for an incident that occurred in in February 2025, when two women returned to their table after briefly leaving their drinks unattended and noticed what appeared to be a white substance floating on the surface of one of the glasses.

Connor immediately intervened, moving the women to a different area of the bar and asking another member of staff to remain with them while he reviewed the venue’s CCTV footage.

Celebration: Connor Sullivan, a manager at Wetherspoon’s Standing Order pub in Derby (middle) with Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (Right); ESG lead at Diageo GB Elizabeth Rochford (Left).

placeholder image — Celebration: Connor Sullivan, a manager at Wetherspoon’s Standing Order pub in Derby (middle) with Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (Right); ESG lead at Diageo GB Elizabeth Rochford (Left).

On checking the footage, he identified a man approaching the women’s table and sprinkling something into both drinks.

He promptly contacted the police, who attended the scene and arrested the suspect Steven Millward.

The 38-year-old, of Maple Drive, Chellaston, has since appeared in court and has been handed a seven month prison sentence, suspended for 15 months after admitting attempting to unlawfully or maliciously administer a poison or noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy.

Commenting on receiving the award, Connor said: “I'm honestly just happy that the girls involved were quick to identify that something wrong had taken place. Of course we are responsible for the safety of our patrons, but we can't always be aware of everything at all times.

The incident took place at Wetherspoon’s Standing Order pub in Derby in February 2025, when two female customers returned to their table after briefly leaving their drinks unattended and noticed what appeared to be a white substance floating on the surface of one of the glasses.

“The people involved brought to my attention a genuine concern, and it was my training and experience that let me deal with it appropriately, keeping the girls safe whilst taking the action to quickly deal with the perpetrator.”

The award was presented at the National Pubwatch Safer Night Time Economy Awards, sponsored by Diageo, during an inaugural ceremony held at Brewers’ Hall in London on Tuesday, May 12.

National Pubwatch, a voluntary organisation, which supports more than 800 Pubwatch schemes across the UK presented 13 Bravery Awards at the event, recognising acts ranging from intervening in knife attacks and drink‑spiking incidents to preventing suicide attempts and protecting vulnerable customers.

Commenting on the award, Wetherspoon legal director Nigel Connor said: "We are very proud of the actions of our staff. We believe they are worthy winners of these prestigious awards.”

The CCTV captured Steven Millward placing some white powder in two women’s glasses when they went to the toilet.

National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker OBE added: “It is a real privilege to recognise Connor Sullivan for his actions in protecting these female customers.

"He showed tremendous professionalism, helping to reduce harm to those socialising in the night‑time economy. He is a real credit to the licensed trade.

“We would also like to thank Diageo for sponsoring these awards and ensuring that recipients receive recognition at such a prestigious event.”

Joe Gosney, Channel Director National Customers – On Trade at Diageo said: “At Diageo, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy a safe and positive night out.

"These awards shine a light on the extraordinary individuals working across the night-time economy who act with courage, care and professionalism to protect others. We are proud to support National Pubwatch in recognising the people who help make our communities safer every day.”