A POLICE officer who worked tirelessly to en-sure the conviction of a robber who haunted an elderly woman to an early grave has been rewarded for his work.

DC Mark Higgins received a commendation from the Chief Constable of Cheshire Peter Fahy for his work in bringing to justice Brian Murphy, a Northwich heroin addict who attacked and robbed 75-year-old Rosalind Grice, known as Rose, as she was collecting her pension from Castle Post Office.

The vulnerable pensioner was forced to the ground and was the subject of a vicious attack by Murphy, who lived at Water Street in Northwich. Her purse was stolen and the offender successfully left the scene without being caught.

Sadly, on March 15, 2003, Rose suffered a heart attack and subsequently died. Although it could not be directly attributed to the attacker's actions, police said it was certainly a contributory factor.

Mr Fahy said DC Higgins was responsible for the investigating the attack and identified a number of crucial witnesses. He recorded the witness evidence with meticulous detail.

The Chief Constable added: 'While the victim was hospitalised, DC Higgins obtained detailed evidence from the victim and spent many hours and a great deal of effort investigating the matter. He showed great tenacity.

'On Friday, July 25, the assailant was sentenced at Chester Crown Court to six years' imprisonment. This conviction would not have been achieved if not for the determination and professionalism of DC Higgins and his efforts are worthy of formal recognition in the form of a Chief Constable's Commendation.'

Mrs Grice's daughter Val Tench said she was delighted that his work had been recognised. She said: 'Mark did not let up on it, he just continued until he got him. My mum thought he was wonderful and we really think he deserved it. I was so proud when he went to receive it.'

DC Higgins added: 'I feel thrilled and honoured indeed to have received the commendation. I was also very pleased that Val was able to attend the ceremony. Not only is this good for myself but I think it is also good for my colleagues at Northwich police station and for the community.

'It remains distressful to think of the pain the family must still endure because of the loss of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I am also conscious of the fact that this is a sad day for the family as the anniversary of Mrs Grice's death is approaching.'

Mrs Tench has received some good news with the birth of the latest addition to their family - a baby girl who would have been Rose's great-granddaughter and who has been named Lola Rose, in memory of Mrs Grice.