The citation reads: "At about midnight Constable Skitt, who was on duty in a police car, saw a grey van which had been involved in a non-stop accident and moved forward to intercept it.
After about a hundred yards Skitt saw a man lean out of the near-side door of the van and fire at him with a revolver.
Another police car joined the chase, travelling in the opposite direction and the driver deliberately drove his vehicle into the van.
"[4]Sadler was also awarded the British Empire Medal and the three other constables involved received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
[4] The three men in the van had been fleeing after committing an armed robbery at the Wednesfield Cash and Carry Company.
Mr Justice Talbot said to Skitt: "I do not think any words of mine can express the praise due to you for the way you performed your duty.
"[5] He remained with the force (which amalgamated to become West Midlands Police in 1974) until 1982, and had stints with the Criminal Investigation Department and Special Patrol Group.
[3] On 21 November 1974, Skitt was the duty inspector at Digbeth police station when a coded bomb threat was received from the Irish Republican Army.
[3] He served as chairman of the personnel and training committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers from 1993 to 1996, and led the police response to the Sheehy Inquiry which recommended major restructuring of ranks and salaries,[8] which was eventually largely rejected by the government,[2] and also chaired the international affairs advisory committee from 1996 to 1997.
[3] He was also an adviser to the Council of Europe's committee for prevention of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment from 2001 until his death.[when?