Have-a-go-hero Stephen Armstrong moves closer to freedom

Oct 19 2008 By Grace Macaskill

JAILED hero dad Stephen Armstrong has been given a date for his appeal.

He could be reunited with wife Dot and his eight children in time for Christmas he is successful.

Stephen, 47, was caged in February for nearly four years for standing up to a thug who was terrorising his neighbourhood.

He knocked down Stewart McDonald, 23, with his van after being threatened with a knife in front of his children.

Wife Dot said: "I can hardly believe Stephen might be home for Christmas. I've asked the kids what presents they want and they just want their daddy home."

Thirty-thousand Scots have signed a petition for Stephen's release. McDonald was given eight months probation for breach of the peace outside Stephen's home in Southpark Village, Glasgow, and has since been involved in an attack which ended in a stabbing.

Dad-of-eight Stephen, who is in Castle Huntly prison near Dundee, will have his appeal against sentence on November 21.