Some of Cheshire Constabulary’s finest were honoured at the Chief Constable’s Awards evening.
It was the first awards and commendations evening held in new chief constable Simon Byrne’s name, and was a chance for him to get to know a bit more of the good work his officers have been undertaking.
Medals were given to officers for good conduct and 20 years’ service, while newly promoted sergeants were welcomed into their posts. Thanks and farewells were given to retiring officers and staff, including former chief constable David Whatton, and a number of special awards and commendations were made too.
Among them was member of the public Richard Whitehouse, of Kelsall, who received the Chief Constable’s Commendation for his outstanding public spiritedness in tracking down and subsequently detaining an arsonist outside his home.
The incident occurred in the early hours of March 3, 2014. The victim was at home asleep with his partner and children. His vehicle was parked on his drive immediately next to his house when the offender, John Buck, smashed a window of the vehicle. A short time later he smashed another vehicle’s window and then set the car alight.
Mr Whitehouse heard the smash and looked out of the window, where he saw someone in a balaclava running from the scene. He got dressed and ran with a bucket of water to try and extinguish the flames.
He saw the person again and decided to try to apprehend him, chasing him along various streets before he caught up with him and held him until the police arrived.
Buck was charged with arson with intent to endanger life and, on June 17, he received four years imprisonment at Chester Crown Court.
Also receiving a commendation was Steve Plant, who was praised for his part in helping to bring David Ryan, of Cranage Cattery owner Diana Lee, to justice. Steve was involved in the development of strategies for the investigation, and it was his efforts to make highly technical and loaded information digestible for a judge and jury which helped ensure Ryan was convicted of Mrs Lee’s brutal murder, receiving a 34-year jail term.
Meanwhile, PCSO Kevin McShane, of Winsford, received a Judge’s Commendation for his dedication in identifying and investigating a would-be robber.
Michael Morrison had attempted to rob a heavily pregnant woman at a cash point. Morrison held a blade to her stomach, but she managed to run to her car, leaving her card in the machine but Morrison unable to take any cash.
A CCTV image of the offender was circulated, and PCSO McShane recognised it be a man he knew. He made extensive enquiries, conducting visits to Morrison’s home, in which he saw him wearing the same clothes described by the victim and captured on CCTV.
Morrison subsequently pleaded guilty, and Recorder of Chester, Judge Elgan Edwards, congratulated PCSO McShane, adding that “the Chief Constable of Cheshire should be very pleased to have officers of such a high calibre.”
Elsewhere, PC Michael Parr, PC Callum Rowland, PC Aiden Sharrock and PC Simon Moodley were give awards by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, for their role in rescuing a man seen floating down the River Mersey in Warrington, and PC Katie Ashcroft, who works at Chester, was named Probationer of the Year.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “These awards are a terrific opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff.
“I was delighted to be in the company of these people for an evening of celebration, and feel proud of their commitment to the Force and the people of Cheshire whom we serve.”
