Tuesday 26 March, 2024

Police who hunted down predatory sex offenders and volunteer rescuers who saved a man from drowning have been honoured in Kirklees.  

Officers, police staff and good Samaritans have been commended for their tenacity and dedication to duty in the 2024 Kirklees Policing Awards which were held in a special ceremony at Dewsbury Town Hall on March 14, 2024.  

The bumper ceremony saw senior officers issue 15 commendations to police officers, police staff and volunteers who made a difference in their communities.

Vice Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire Helen Thompson and Mayor of Kirklees Coun Cahal Burke attended the evening.

Among the awards given were commendations to PC Philip Blackburn, and a fellow officer who were first on scene at a burglary in Dewsbury in May 2022

The officers spotted and pursued a known prolific offender, took on and detained him, even though he was armed with a knife and a piece of wood.

Also commended were a team of officers including DS Nicki Askew and DC Megan Boothroyd for a complex and highly sensitive investigation into the historic sexual abuse of two victims in Kirklees  

Their dedication resulted in a man being charged and given an extended sentence of more than 16 years.

The ceremony also recognized members of Holme Valley Mountain Rescue for helping find and save the life of a man who had fallen down steep banking in Milnsbridge and was in danger of plunging into an open river.  

The team helped officers search woodland in the Milnsbridge area on June 20 2022, following a call of concern for a man seen in distress by the canal there.

It is thought that without their intervention in locating and then securing and rescuing the victim, he would most likely have died.

Chief Superintendent Jim Griffiths, District Commander of Kirklees District Police, said: “Preserving life and protecting those most at risk is our chief role as police officers and it is hearting to see so many of these awards have been given to colleagues who have intervened to help some of the most vulnerable victims.

“Several awards this year have been given to officers who have been utterly dedicated to seeking justice for victims in some extremely hard to investigate sexual offence cases.  That dedication has resulted in dangerous men being jailed and vulnerable victims safeguarded.

“It is also a pleasure to recognize officers who have risked their own safety to take on priority criminals and the superb work of the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue team.  

“Their expertise was a significant factor in a man’s life being saved in Huddersfield and they stand as a wonderful example of the community spirit we still see, day in and day out, in our neighbourhoods.”

Awards on the night included.

1/ Members of Holme Valley Mountain Rescue and Kirklees Patrol Team officers including PC Emma Farrand

For their partnership working in successfully locating a vulnerable male at risk of significant harm.

2/ Judge’s Commendation for PC Shaun Brickwood, DC Louise Fulton and others

For their diligent and highly professional investigation of a child sex offence and in preparing all the information for the case to run meticulously.

3/ DC David Sherlock

For an investigation into child sexual offending committed against a young victim and in supporting the victim and her mother throughout a serious and horrific crime. The suspect pleaded guilty to two sexual offences and was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. He was also handed a Sexual Prevention Order.  

4/ PC Bethany Giblin, PC Kzritia Cole, PC Eleanor Radley.  

For their early actions to locate and secure a vulnerable victim of a serious sexual offence in July 2021.  Their compassion enabled information to be quickly sought to identify essential evidence that ultimately assisted in detention and conviction of a dangerous offender who was jailed for 10 years.

5/ PC George Rawlinson, PS Kierston Knott,  PC Christopher Linley , PC Raeal Javaid,  PC Asad Kahut , PC Mark Atkinson.

For their collective teamwork and dedication in dealing with a Serious Offence of Arson in September 2022. They worked as a team to apprehend three offenders, one of whom needed urgent medical treatment.

6/ PC Ian Harrison and a fellow member of police staff

For their passion, commitment, dedication and attitude in apprehending an offender whilst off duty in an incident in Batley and Spen in June 2022.  They identified and reacted swiftly to a male on a stolen bike whilst travelling home. In doing so, brought an offender to justice for a priority offence in the Batley and Spen area.

7/ PCSO Thomas Taylor  

For his passion, commitment, dedication and tenacious attitude to all aspects of his role in the Lindley ward of Huddersfield.  As a PCSO Tom has worked within Huddersfield (Lindley Ward) and has provided real value to the community with various problem-solving initiatives where he has provided advice to communities. He has also worked hard on community initiative sin his own time, such as re-netting the basketball courts in Greenhead, Paddock, Fartown, Reinwood and Lindley and organizing charitable events.

8/ DS Nicki Askew, DI Talha Laher, DC Megan Boothroyd.  

They were presented with a judge’s commendation for the comprehensive way they managed an investigation into sex offences and child sex offences.

9/ PC Philip Blackburn and a fellow officer.

For their efforts to detain an aggressive male who had committed a burglary and while doing so was in possession of a knife. Their brave actions saw them put their own safety to one side in order to protect members of the public and recover precious personal items.

10/ DC Chris Eglen

Commended by a judge following a burglary sentencing for his hard work and preparation in putting together the Identification and CCTV package which helped lead to the conviction

11/ Officers including DS Stephen Hill

For their professionalism whilst investigating a serious sexual offence involving a young child.  Due to their joined-up approach and teamwork in this investigation, numerous lines of enquiry were established which were carried out diligently and efficiently, resulting in charges being brought.

12/ Officers including DS Nicki Askew, DC Megan Boothroyd

For their excellent investigation of a serious and sensitive child sex offences case which was dealt with in a sensitive and timely manner.  They acted professionally and compassionately throughout, providing assistance in the safeguarding and protection of children.  Thanks to the team’s investigation a man was convicted and given an extended sentence in excess of 16 years.

13/ DS James Rudge

For dedicating his service in West Yorkshire Police to upholding the law fairly and firmly, preventing crime and pursuing and bringing to justice those who break the law. For being a strong and empathic supervisor and doing all this with integrity, common sense and sound judgement.