Gloves save man from bullet

The gloves were a birthday present from his daughter Natasha

A club landlord was saved from a potentially lethal bullet - by a pair of gloves.

Jim Hopley, from Solihull, was starting work for the day at Farringdon Social Club, in Hay Mills, Birmingham, when two men threatened him and ordered him to open the safe.

As he struggled with one of the offenders Mr Hopley was shot twice.

The first bullet was prevented from hitting him in the stomach by a pair of leather driving gloves in his pocket.

Although the second bullet hit him in the groin he was discharged from hospital in time to spend Christmas at home with his wife and two daughters.

I can honestly say I know now how serious the offence was, this was a proper 9mm bullet Jim Hopley

Mr Hopley, who has been a licensee for 30 years, said he only realised how his gloves, which were rolled into a ball, had saved him when police collected his clothes at hospital for forensic examination.

"I can honestly say I know now how serious the offence was, this was a proper 9mm bullet," he said.

"I'd still got my coat on when I was shot and because I'd got my coat on and the gloves were in my pocket, that's what saved me."

The gloves were bought for him as a birthday present from his daughter Natasha.

Birthday present

"I was so shocked when I heard what had happened," she said.

"But what a fantastic birthday present to give to him."

Mr Hopley was alerted to the robbers just after 1030 GMT on Monday by one of his staff screaming.

He was threatened by one of the offenders who ordered him to open the safe, while his accomplice held the female cleaners at bay.

Thousands of pounds were taken in the robbery and West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses.