Worcester detective Maxine Rawlins has been commended for a long-running and intense investigation that led to a 13-years prison term for a serial rapist who committed offences against his own children and their young friends.

He was first arrested in 2003 on suspicion of sexual offences on his young daughter, but she succumbed to pressure from him not to give evidence and the case was dropped at Crown Court stage.

The man returned to the family home to continue to abuse the younger children.

After taking ownership of the investigation in 2007, Det. Con. Rawlins showed empathy and detective ability in extracting difficult emotional accounts from the four daughters and their school friends, who had also been abused,” said Ch. Supt. Jane Horwood, head of policing in South Worcestershire.

“Maxine managed the enquiry and victims and interviewed the offender, completing a file of evidence to Crown Court standard, while continuing to balance and manage her already heavy workload. She also liaised with other Forces during the investigation, portraying West Mercia in a positive and pro-active light.

“She showed relentless support for all of the victims though the court case, and in March 2008 the offender was sentenced to 13 years in prison for serious sexual offences against children.

“Maxine then took time and effort to apply for Criminal Injuries compensation for the victims, but when this was unsuccessful she, in her own time, organised raffles and a quiz night to raise funds for the family to take a holiday.

“The quiz night involved other agencies including Children Services, as well as members of local businesses. This not only strengthened our working relationships with other agencies, but also promoted West Mercia in a positive light within the local business community.

“It was only Maxine's hard work, commitment, dedication and inter-personal skills that encouraged this family to persevere with their complaint to its positive conclusion. The support and empathy she showed was outstanding throughout what was a very harrowing and traumatic time for all concerned.

“At various stages, different members of the family considered withdrawing support and it is testament to her victim skills that she has, through care and persistence, managed this issue. She has also used her considerable experience in this area to assimilate the historic offences to great effect.

“Without her dedication, time and effort a very dangerous individual would still be in a position to abuse innocent children within the community. Det. Con. Rawlins is a credit to the Force.”

Det. Con. Rawlins was commended for her tenacity, detective ability and victim care in successfully bringing to justice a serial rapist.