Police praised after work in stabbing case

Ernest Moyo, who is known as Joe, was so badly injured that doctors had to amputate his arms and legs to give him a chance of survival after he caught an infection.

Four men were jailed for a total of 61 years for their part in the incident, which took place in August, 2012.

On Monday, family liaison officer and trainee Detective Constable Vicky Bailey, Detective Constable Laura Sinden, Detective Constable Tony Taylor and Detective Sergeant Jason Turner received awards for their roles in the case.

The ceremony, at Arundel Castle, honoured police officers and staff from across West Sussex for their commitment, dedication and service to the community.

DS Turner said: “It was a horrible case. There was a lot of emotion, not just with the family of the victim and the victim but all the families of the defendants.

“It was a very complex case and one that took a lot of hard work.

“As far as getting an award goes, I think it’s not just about that one case.

“The staff at Worthing work so hard on so many complex cases.”

DC Sinden said she was proud to receive the accolade and thanked the public for their contribution.

“At the end of the day, they are our witnesses, our eyes and ears,” she said. “We can’t do our job without all their help. I think that is sometimes forgotten that they are such an important part to policing.”

Detective Chief Inspector Tanya Jones said of the stabbing case: “The victim sustained life changing injuries, requiring surgery to amputate his limbs.

“The team worked long hours to co-ordinate all aspects of the investigation and family liaison officers actively supported the family.

“Their dedicated team- work finally resulted in the conviction of all four offenders who were sentenced to a total of 61 years in prison.

“Trainee DC Bailey is commended for her high standards to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

Susan Piper, the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, spoke of her pride for the police force.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “You hear words at ceremonies like ‘courage’, courage in the face of adversity. You hear words like ‘tenacity’ – staying until the end of the job not just because it’s 5pm and your shift is ending but because you actually want to see this through.

“And then there’s the determination of catching the offender. But the one thing that I take away from today is that each and everyone of you here today are absolutely fantastic and do outstanding work.”