A Canadian cop here on vacation who bravely chased down a purse-snatcher was saluted by the Bermuda Police and hailed as a hero by the victim yesterday.

The purse and all of its belongings were safely returned to Judith Matos and yesterday 34-year-old Edward Marshall pleaded guilty to the purse snatching, and suggested he wanted to be caught - to be able to kick drugs.

Assistant Commissioner Carlton Adams awarded Canadian Peter Huska with a Certificate of Recognition as a gesture of appreciation for stopping the crime.

On Saturday afternoon Ms Matos was chatting with a friend on the corner of Queen and Front streets when a man snatched her purse running off with it down Front Street. Ms Matos attempted to run after Marshall but Mr. Huska - who works in the bomb squad in Thornton, Ontario - was able to chase the man to Par-la-Ville Road and detain him until the Police arrived.

“Mr. Huska's actions, being a Police officer, reflect policing worldwide and he did something all of us as Police officers would do,” Mr. Adams said.

Mr. Huska and his wife are on vacation in Bermuda to celebrate their 40th birthdays.

Thanking the Police for his certificate, Mr. Huska said he was “truly honoured” and added that the Police were also quick to arrive on the scene.

“I've never been there at that moment when the cry for help comes - it's a very gratifying feeling to help someone,” Mr. Huska said. Along with his certificate, Mr. Huska also received a bottle of champagne from Ms Matos as a gift of appreciation for his bravery.

“You're my hero,” Ms Matos said while hugging Mr. Huska. “I'm very grateful for your fortitude... it was just such a wonderful thing.”

Marshall - a resident of the Salvation Army Shelter - admitted stealing the purse with $550 in US cash and $655 in Bermuda currency along with credit cards and airline tickets.

Marshall told Magistrate Carlisle Greaves that he knew he would not get away with the purse because he had asthma and bronchitis. “I needed somewhere to stay, somewhere to get clean,” said the self-proclaimed drug addict.

Mr. Greaves asked Marshall why he had not just snatched the purse and stood there instead of running if he wanted to go to jail so badly. “I had to make it look good,” Marshall responded.