A former boxer who played a crucial role in thwarting the infamous 1974 kidnapping attempt of Princess Anne has voiced his fury after learning that the attacker, Ian Ball, is set to be released from psychiatric detention.
Ronnie Russell, now 72, was hailed a hero after intervening when Ball ambushed the Princess Royal's car in The Mall, London. Russell punched Ball multiple times, helping to subdue him until police arrived.
'I hit him harder than I've hit anyone,' Russell told the Daily Mail. 'He was a dangerous man then, and if they're letting him out now, he's still dangerous.'
The shocking incident unfolded on March 20, 1974, when Ball—armed with two pistols—blocked Princess Anne's car and shot her personal protection officer. Ball reportedly demanded a £2 million ransom for the princess's release.
Russell, who was passing by in his car, immediately sprang into action. 'I saw what was happening and didn't think twice,' he recalled. 'I just knew I had to stop him.'
Ball was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act. Now, after nearly 50 years, authorities have ruled he no longer poses a significant risk to the public.
Russell, however, remains unconvinced. 'He was a calculated, violent man,' he said. 'People like that don't change. This is a mistake.'
The decision has sparked debate over the justice system's handling of high-profile offenders with mental health conditions. Critics argue that Ball's release sets a dangerous precedent.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne, known for her resilience, reportedly has no comment on the matter. The attempted kidnapping remains one of the most brazen attacks on the Royal Family in modern history.
