Ceremony hears stories of dedication and determination

Snaring an organised crime gang, putting violent offenders behind bars and going above and beyond in a complex domestic abuse case were just some of the acts of determination and hard work praised at a force awards ceremony.

The Chief Constable’s Commendations took place yesterday evening (16 May) at a ceremony at Hinchingbrooke School, in Huntingdon. Chief Constable Nick Dean hosted the event and praised officers and staff for their outstanding investigations and achievements.

He said: “Today is about celebrating the loyalty and dedication you have shown to the organisation and the public in your role. Going that extra mile is something I am, and indeed you should be, enormously proud of.

“You have dedicated your time to ensure people’s safety and gone above and beyond for the people of Cambridgeshire.

“It has been quite inspiring to read the stories of outstanding commitment, perseverance and determination in difficult circumstances. To each and every one of you, I say thank you.”

Below are just some of the achievements officers and staff were commended for:

Putting a violent sex offender behind bars

Detective Inspector Tim Archer and Detective Sergeant Matt Lauch were commended for their roles in an investigation which resulted in a violent sex offender being jailed for life. Convicted rapist Stefan Hague subjected a woman to an horrific ordeal in her own home, punching and kicking her as she lay on the floor, as well as repeatedly stamping on her head and body.

The victim’s screams could be heard on neighbouring video doorbells, which resulted in the police being called. She was taken to hospital while Hague was found in Greater Manchester still covered in her blood.

Hague pleaded guilty to rape, attempted rape, grievous bodily harm with intent and failing to comply with the Sex Offenders Register and was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of nine years and three months before he can apply for parole.

DI Archer and Det Sgt Lauch were selfless in their persistence to take the best course of action and maintained extremely positive attitudes. 

Det Sgt Lauch, relatively inexperienced in investigating serious sexual offences, showed diligence and ethics that went above and beyond his skillset.

Both are commended for their perseverance, support to the victim and tenacity.

Securing significant sentences for an organised crime gang

Detective Sergeant Rich Ellison and Detective Constable Matt Slater were commended for their dedicated investigation into an aggravated burglary by an Albanian organised crime gang.

Their work over ten months resulted in jail sentences totalling more than 50 years.

Five men posing as police officers and armed with guns, hammers and crowbars forced their way into a house used by a rival gang in Peterborough, at about 4am on 4 August 2022.

The men left with a large bag containing what was believed to be a large amount of cash and class A drugs.

Following a trial, a jury found all five men guilty of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to threaten.

Two women related to the group were found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary.

Det Sgt Ellison and DC Slater used expertise from far and wide, showed due diligence and worked extended hours on what was a complex investigation.

They are commended for their drive and commitment to bringing the case to court and achieving an excellent result.

Bringing a prolific jewellery thief to justice

Detective Inspector Juliet Heald, Detective Sergeant James Rabbett and Detective Constable Lisa Bacon were commended for their tenacity and investigative ability in bringing a prolific jewellery thief to justice.

When Peter O’Halloran’s home was searched, officers found about £60,000 in cash, coins worth up to £80,000, and watches and bags of gems believed to be worth more than half a million pounds.

In his bedroom was a book entitled Confessions of a Master Jewellery Thief and elsewhere in the house were books about antiques, fine metals, jewellery, and gems.

O’Halloran operated alone, targeting mansions, and evading alarm systems by getting in via the first floor.

Det Sgt Rabbett identified him as a possible suspect after researching historic offences. This led to a DNA match linking O’Halloran to an offence in Cambridgeshire.

Det Sgt Rabbett then further linked O’Halloran to a burglary in Northamptonshire in 2019, where nearly a million pounds of items had been stolen.

O’Halloran was initially charged with one burglary and a proceeds of crime offence, however, Det Sgt Rabbett and DC Bacon used ANPR and communications data to painstakingly link him to further offences across the region.

In November, O’Halloran was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to three burglaries. A further nine burglaries across five counties, including four in Cambridgeshire, were taken into consideration. 

DC Bacon provided exceptional support to victims, gathering evidence, and working tirelessly to return stolen items, many of which were of huge sentimental value.

Determination in a serious assault investigation

Detective Inspector Lee Levens, Detective Sergeant Rob Hutchings and detective constable Lauren Easton were commended for their roles in an investigation which resulted in three people being jailed for a serious assault.

The attack happened in the early hours of 2 April last year when a group forced their way into a house in Peterborough and viciously attacked the victim.

Ben Williams, 32, used a claw hammer to repeatedly hit the man to the head, causing a bleed on his brain. 

Officers found the man laid on a bed with “catastrophic” head injuries. He survived the attack but has still not fully recovered.

Williams was found guilty of attempted murder and jailed for 31 years earlier this year.

Accomplices Leonard Davis, 23, who admitted GBH with intent, and Tamara Matthews, 23, who was found guilty of GBH with intent, were each jailed for nine years.

DI Levens quickly gripped the investigation, set clear objectives and fast-track actions and ensured appropriate resourcing, including from other departments. His drive, enthusiasm, and tenacity were instrumental. DI Levens set the tone and was an active and visible leader throughout.

Det Sgt Hutchings brought investigative skill to the investigation - closing some challenging evidential gaps. Charges were not initially authorised but following appeals he secured charges for the three defendants. His leadership and support to the team was highlighted as exceptional.

DC Lauren Easton meticulously pieced together a timeline, with multiple strands of evidence, to build the case against the defendants. Together with DC Angus Cashman, she also managed the victim who had become homeless and ill following the attack.

They were instrumental in ensuring he remained engaged and was able to attend the trial. Both officers worked well beyond their experience to ensure justice was done in a very serious and challenging case.

You can read more about the case on the force website - Trio left man with “catastrophic” head injuries | Cambridgeshire Constabulary (cambs.police.uk)