Crimebusters who went beyond the call of duty

James Pullen and Mohammed Khaled Hussain pulled the man from the vehicle when it burst into flames after crashing into a bridge on Bilford Road, Worcester.

Shortly beforehand he had driven past a police patrol car and when officers arrived at the scene the men had already managed to move the driver away from danger.

The fire brigade extinguished the fire and the driver was taken to hospital with a broken arm and serious facial injuries.

Mr Pullen and Mr Hussain have now received the Society for the Protection of Life Award for their acts of bravery on May 7, 2007.

Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire, said: “These two young men acted with great courage in difficult and dangerous circumstances.

“Had it not been for their quick-thinking and selfless actions, the injured man may not have escaped from the vehicle and could well have sustained far more serious injuries, or indeed he could have lost his life.”

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY RESUSCITATION AWARD
PC William Brimmell
PC William Brimmell arrived at the scene of a reported assault to find a woman whose life was in danger – and a man standing over her.

Worcester-based PC Brimmell was accompanied by a student officer of less than two weeks’ service, said Chief Superintend Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire.

“The officer had to first restrain and arrest the confused offender. The victim was unconscious, bleeding from her nose, mouth and ears and had an obstructed airway from swallowing her own blood.

“PC Brimmell cleared the area of broken drinking glasses and other dangers and then provided first aid to clear the obstruction in the casualty’s airway.

“She was vomiting blood but the officer maintained her airway, preventing choking. He used his radio to contact medical staff and continued to assist paramedics when they arrived.

“The victim was taken to hospital showing low vital signs and was later diagnosed with a brain injury and transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. The paramedics said that the actions PC Brimmell took in clearing and maintaining this lady’s airway almost certainly saved her life.”

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S COMMENDATION
Det Con Michelle Cook
When a five-year-old girl told her mother that her stepfather had been sexually abusing her, Det Con Michelle Cook immediately began enquiries.

The little girl was very reluctant to speak about her stepfather and did not disclose any offences, telling the detective that he had been “naughty”.

Det Con Cook maintained contact with the girl, building up a rapport and encouraging her to write things down. The child wrote a story about what had happened and disclosed that sexual activity had taken place.

The man was arrested and – although he denied any offences – was charged and remanded in custody.

At the trial, the child gave evidence via live video link to the court. This was a very difficult and distressing time and the mother was close to refusing to return to court after the ordeal of the first day. Det Con Cook was present throughout and provided them with the support they needed to get through it.

The jury unanimously found the offender guilty of rape and sexual activity with the child. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison and has to register as a sex offender for life.

West Mercia chief constable Paul West said: “From the very start, Det Con Cook was fully committed to the investigation, the victim and her mother, providing ongoing support throughout, particularly around the time of the court case.

“The prosecution barrister commented on the high quality of the interviews with the child and the fact that this is one of the youngest children to present evidence in court. This was only made possible by the efforts of Det Con Cook.”

Since the trial Det Con Cook has successfully applied to the Child Victims of Crime charity, which has agreed to fund a holiday for the child and her mother in Florida.

Det Con Cooke received a chief constable’s commendation for her “exceptional skills in interviewing, supporting and guiding a five-year-old through a traumatic investigation resulting in her stepfather being sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment”.

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S COMMENDATIONS and DIVISIONAL COMMENDATION
Det Insp Mark Loader
Det Sgt Andrew Gough
Det Con Michael Milnes
Det Con Andrew Holmes
Peter Tooke – Crown Prosecution Service (divisional commendation)
Seven people involved in trafficking oriental women for sexual exploitation in south Worcestershire are all serving long jail terms.

Now the team that put them behind bars – following an 18-month “sensitive multi-agency investigation” – have been recognised for their work on Operation Harmony, which began in December 2006.

Detective Inspector Mark Loaden, Detective Sergeant Andrew Gough, Detective Constable Michael Milnes and Detective Constable Andrew Holmes, along with Peter Tooke of the CPS, have been commended for their commitment to conducting a high-quality investigation into an organised crime group responsible for managing brothels and human trafficking.

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S COMMENDATIONS
Det Insp Jonathan Wallis
Det Sgt Ray Williams
Det Con Neil Rawlins
Three detectives have been commended by the Chief Constable of West Mercia police, Paul West, for their professional and outstanding investigation into a brutal murder in Worcester.

Detective Inspector Jon Wallis, Detective Sergeant Ray Williams and Detective Constable Neil Rawlins were recognised for their parts in Operation Harbour, which led to the offender receiving a minimum sentence of 25 years.

On January 13, 2007, John Lloyd, a 56-year-old-man who lived alone in Worcester, was killed at his home. Police discovered Mr Lloyd’s body in his flat, where he had been stabbed 67 times.

Mr Wallis, as senior investigating officer, was responsible for all aspects of the investigation, including managing the family and relatives of the victim, particularly with regard to the brutal nature of Mr Lloyd’s death.

There were complex forensic issues to consider, which were critical to a successful prosecution. Two of the suspects were Portuguese and Mr Wallis also had to manage the families of the suspects as well as the wider community issues.

It was vital that early and critical decisions were made in the initial stages of the investigation.

This led to the early arrest of the suspects before they could leave the area or, potentially, the country.

At the conclusion of the trial a violent and ruthless man, who had previously been convicted of killing a person in Germany was convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum of 25 years.

As part of the healing process for the family, they asked to meet the whole of the investigative team from the first call taker to the investigation teams – an unprecendented occurrence in the experience of the force senior investigating officer Andy Rowsell.

Chief Constable Paul West said: “What has been exceptional about this case is the way the family of the victim have publicly and repeatedly thanked the police for the thorough investigation and the way in which officers conducted themselves.”

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATION
PC Tina Cowan
Parents in Worcester have thanked their local police officer for all she has done for their children.

Anti-social behaviour was highlighted by residents of Rainbow Hill ward. In direct response, Tina Cowan helped tackle the issue by giving youngsters something to do and a sense of purpose, including getting them to take part in the Worcester dragon boat festival.

Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire, said: Having spoken with young people in the area – following community fears that they would cause trouble during the summer holidays – Tina established that they wanted to take part in the dragon boat festival.

“She approached the local club and secured funding to provide training and festival entry. The group trained throughout the summer, supported and encouraged by Tina, often in her own time.”

Mr Reynolds said that both the event and the initiative were so successful that families and residents both made it clear they wanted it to continue.

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATION
PC Stephen Smith
A Malvern local police officer (LPO) has been awarded for his dedication and commitment, which has had a positive impact on the quality of life of residents in his area, including helping to evict a problem tenant, and tackling anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

PC Steve Smith has been LPO for the Chase ward in Malvern since June 2006.

Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire, said: “Steve has been recognised for the tremendous enthusiasm and vigour he brings to the role and the excellent partnerships he has formed.”

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATIONS
Sgt Jamie Francis
PC Nicholas Davies
CSO Jenny Humphries
Two Worcester police officers and a community support officer have been commended for how they dealt with a man who later threatened to shoot one of them and then himself on May 27, 2008.

PC Nick Davies and CSO Jenny Humphries were on cycle patrol in Warndon Villages, Worcester when they saw a man ducking into an alley to avoid them. They were suspicious of his behaviour because of the number of burglary offences in the area at the time.

“When the man became aggressive, PC Davies took hold of his arm, but he broke free and ran away,” said Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in South Worcestershire.

“Nick followed him on his bike but as he caught up with him, the man pulled out what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it at the officer’s face. Nick had no way of knowing whether or not the gun was real at this stage.

“The man twice threatened to shoot Nick before pointing the weapon at his own head and threatening to shoot himself. Despite these threats and the risk to his own safety Nick continued to observe and follow the man as he attempted to evade and hide from him and other officers.

“Having seen what happened from very close quarters, CSO Jenny Humphries pressed the emergency button on her radio and provided the call management centre with details and location. She also provided immediate reassurance to a member of the public who saw the incident.”

Mr Reynolds said that when Sergeant Jamie Francis reached the scene he ensured that a cordon was established around the area and public safety maintained.

“Unbeknown to him, however, the offender had got into a Post Office van stopped nearby. As Jamie approached, the man jumped from the van and ran towards him.

“Seeing what appeared to be a gun tucked into the man’s waistband – and fearing for his own safety and that of the public – Jamie immediately tackled him, wrestling him to the ground, disarming and arresting him.

“All three officers dealt with what Judge Geddes described as a ‘serious and potentially dangerous situation’ in a brave and professional manner.

“Although the weapon turned out to be an imitation handgun, they had no way of knowing this at the time. They provided reassurance to the community and arrested a violent offender, ensuring he was brought to justice,” said Mr Reynolds.

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATION
Det Con Manny Sidhu

An identity thief who stole and exploited the personal details of nine people – three from Worcester – has been brought to justice almost single-handedly by a south Worcestershire detective.

The London-based Nigerian used false bank accounts and credit cards to buy goods, leaving victims in St John’s, Rainbow Hill and the city centre facing the bills.

The man – who has temporary citizenship of the United Kingdom through marriage – is now serving a two-and-a-half prison sentence, with the recommendation that he be deported by the Home Office on his release.

In 2006, an elderly woman received large repayment demands from credit card companies and others to cover debts she had not incurred.

Detective Constable Manny Sidhu’s enquiries led to the man’s arrest in London and uncovered evidence that he led “a very complex criminal lifestyle”, said Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire.

Det Con Sidhu was commended for his “detective ability, dedication, tenacity and painstaking attention to detail in bringing to justice a man found guilty of stealing and then using the identities of others for financial gain”.

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATION
Dee Benfield
A magazine that builds relationships between under-10s and Wychavon police may be copied on the other side of the world.

Now the compiler of the Bobby Club publication – which is being studied by Neighbourhood Watch members in Adelaide, Western Australia – has received a south Worcestershire divisional award for her dedication, support and commitment.

Dee Benfield began organising and running the club when she joined West Mercia Constabulary at Evesham in October 2003 as an administration assistant. Five years later it is now seen by 9,000 under-10s in all Wychavon schools.

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATION
PC Stuart Toms
A police officer who was commended by a crown court judge for his “tireless investigation, diligence and ability”, has now been awarded a south Worcestershire divisional commendation.

A “very active criminal” was sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading guilty to 50 counts of driving off from petrol forecourts without paying, following an investigation by PC Stuart Toms that lasted more than 18 months.

As a result, PC Toms has now been commended for his “excellent investigative skills and diligence which resulted in a very active criminal being brought to justice”.

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATIONS
PC Richard Nunn
PC Steve Bennett
CSO Andrea Leslie
Two Droitwich police officers and a community support officer have been commended for how they dealt with an “unpredictable” woman armed with a kitchen knife in Fernhill Heath, Worcester, on September 9, 2008.

The “professional and courageous response” of PC Steve Bennett, PC Richard Nunn and CSO Andrea Leslie has been recognised with south Worcestershire divisional commendations.

Officers were making enquiries into a vulnerable woman – who had gone missing from a mental health unit in Worcester – when the incident occurred, said Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire.

“This violent and dangerous incident was brought to a successful resolution and the woman was restrained and taken to hospital,” said Mr Reynolds.

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATIONS
Sgt Sara Goodman
Two police officers have been commended after dealing with a violent and distressed man – with severely cut arms and losing large amounts of blood – who had forced his way into a house and assaulted a woman.

“As the appropriate use of batons and CS spray had no effect on him, the necessity for physical restraint was unavoidable,” said Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire.

“During a protracted struggle both officers – one of whom does not wish to be identified – inevitably became covered in his blood, with all the potential risks such contact involves.

“Due to the isolated location, the unnamed officer dealt with the situation with minimal support for a significant period. The physical demands of his struggle with the subject brought the officer close to exhaustion.

“Sgt Goodman assisted in restraining the man under the directions of a medical practitioner in order for him to receive potentially life-saving treatment.

“Throughout this protracted incident, however, Sgt Goodman remained calm and professional, ensuring that the needs of others were addressed ahead of her own.

The man later recovered.

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATIONS
Sgt Matthew Hooley
Mike Digger
A/Sgt David Pyle
Three police officers and a member of police staff have been commended for their work in planning and managing crisis situations.

“The vast majority of police work centres around both good planning and the ability to manage in a crisis situation,” said Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire.

“A vast amount of time and effort is made by these individuals, not only in times of crisis but also in periods less visible – the day-to-day management of current affairs.”

DIVISIONAL COMMENDATION
PC Richard Nunn
PC Richard Nunn persuaded a man who had problems at work – and had argued with his mother – not to jump from a Droitwich railway bridge on July 10, 2008.

The officer initially stopped his police car a short distance from the bridge, asking his colleague to stay back to relay information by radio.

After a while he was able to persuade the man not to jump from the bridge, telling him it would cause distress to his mother and his family.

Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds,head of policing in south Worcestershire, said: “Had it not been for Richard’s timely and effective intervention, the consequences could have been very different.”

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
CSO Eric Summerton
Sgt Diane Summerton
Evesham husband and wife police officers Eric and Diane Summerton have jointly received the south Worcestershire personal achievement award.

It recognises dedication, commitment and courage on the part of staff who have overcome a whole range of difficulties to make a difference to south Worcestershire.

Chief Superintendent Rod Reynolds, head of policing in south Worcestershire, said: “In November 2007, Eric – who had already served 30 years as a local police officer – was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a life-threatening cancer – understandably devastating news for Eric, his wife Diane and their three children.

“The illness affected Eric’s ability to speak, swallow and walk. The intensive chemotherapy treatment he had to undergo also took its toll in addition to spending a number of weeks in hospital.

“Despite the poor prognosis, Eric remained positive and determined to get better. He set himself an objective to return to work at the earliest opportunity and so focused was he that he did so on light duties just six months after having been diagnosed.

“Eric’s resilience, determination and commitment to recover and return to work have been an inspiration to all his colleagues, who openly admire his perseverance and courage.”

Mr Reynolds added: “Throughout Eric’s illness and treatment he received tremendous support from his wife, Sgt Diane Summerton.

“Despite the stress and trauma of the situation and the undoubted strain on the family, Di remained at work, organising her annual leave and rest days to coincide with home commitments and Eric’s needs. Her dedication to her family and her commitment to her duties through this extremely difficult time has earned the admiration and respect of all her colleagues.

“Both Eric and Diane have displayed tremendous strength of character and resilience, and the way they have both dealt with the pressure and trauma of such a difficult and stressful time has been an inspiration to us all.”