Police commendations

9:12am Saturday 10th May 2008

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POLICE officers from across York and Selby have been commended for outstanding work and bravery.

They were honoured by the city's senior police officer at a top awards ceremony Chief Superintendent Iain Spittal at the ceremony in the Guildhall yesterday.

Among those to receive the honour of an Area Commander's Commendation were the entire team of detectives who investigated a vicious sexual assault on an 18-year-old girl as she walked home from a York nightclub.

The Press told last year how chef Andrew Simon Norris, 34, of Acomb, was jailed last year for trying to rape the young woman, who had accepted a lift home from him.

Detective Sergeant Andy Eaton, Detective Constables Rob Eden, Emma Drummond, Craig Wilson, Leah Wallhead, Vincent Morris, Jennifer Cartwright and Clive Rich, and Mr Gordon Codling, were all commended for their roles in the investigation.

Chief Supt Spittal said: "Officers entering the CID do so to investigate cases like this one where the highest standards of detective ability, tenacity and persistence are demanded and displayed."

Detective Constable Sarah Knubley was awarded a Crown Court Commendation for her "patience, dedication and skill" which led to the conviction of former Carr Junior School teacher Howard Beattie, who was jailed for more than six years for abusing five boys.

Det Sgt Steve Taylor was praised for his professionalism and initiative in managing to talk down a woman who was threatening to jump from the river bridge on the A64 Westbound on July 21 last year.

Chief Supt Spittal said the woman would have died or been seriously injured had it not been for the actions of Det Sgt Taylor, who received a second award for catching a prolific burglar with the help of colleague Det Con Fionna McEwan.

PC Lailah Nijailia received a commendation for her tireless work with the community of Huntington in which she works, particularly with local youngsters, and the high number of arrests she has made.

PC Wayne Fox also received a commendation for his "consistent high workload".

PC Paul Moring, PC Lindsey Robson, PC Dan Fisher and traffic officer Andy Rathbone were all praised for helping a man who was threatening to commit suicide off the toll bridge on the A19 in Selby on June 3 last year.

The man had been in a relationship with his brother's wife and feared she was going to tell his brother. He had been drinking heavily and taking cocaine.

Traffic constable John Kendall was commended for preventing a man from hanging himself at a house in Sherburn in Elmet in November.

Inspector David Hall, Sgt Adrian Carter, Sgt Richard Ogden and PC Steve Skeoch were all commended for their role in arresting a dangerous knifeman who went on the rampage in the Nunnery Lane area of York on February 11 last year.

Jo Bielby was presented with an award for her work to tackle domestic violence.

Keith Armstrong, John Toplis and Neil Cargill were all commended for ensuring property stores in Tadcaster and Selby are kept to a high standard.

Special guests were the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Irene Waudby, who praised the actions of the individuals involved, the Sheriff of York, Coun Keith Hyman, and chairman of Selby District Council, Joyce Dyson.

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