The Thames Valley Police chief constable has commended six officers and three members of staff for their involvement in a challenging investigation into the rape, sexual assault and abduction of a girl.
Chief constable Jason Hogg presented awards to detective inspectors Laura Al-Owaied and Stuart May, detective sergeants John Denard and Corinne Mullar, detective constables Zoe Eele and Christine Miller, and digital forensic unit investigators Charlie Brown, Andrew Dunn and Miles Larson.
The team were honoured for their work on Operation Isotope, an East Berkshire Child Abuse Investigation Unit investigation resulting in six people being jailed for more than 40 years.
Senior investigating officer (SIO) DI May said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the Operation Isotope team has been recognised.
“This was a very challenging investigation involving a young victim who had experienced serious abuse.
“The victim showed tremendous courage in attending court to give evidence and I hope that the lengthy sentences imposed on those responsible provides her with some comfort.”
In November 2020, the victim, then a teenager, reported an assault by the man from Slough and the woman from London.
The victim later disclosed that the man had raped her over a number of years.
In February 2021, the offenders kidnapped the victim from foster care in Crowthorne. She was located safely in Sheffield following a significant police investigation.
Officer in the case (OIC), DC Eele, worked tirelessly to support a vulnerable young female who was victim of the most serious offences.
DC Eele’s outstanding effort and commitment ensured that the victim continued to engage with the investigation and that the necessary evidence was gathered to secure convictions against the offenders.
“I am grateful for the commendation; however, I feel I was only doing my job in safeguarding a child who was a repeat victim of serious offences,” she said.
DI Al-Owaied, as the deputy SIO, was responsible for reviewing the evidence in the initial stage of the investigation, coordinating resources and directing key lines of enquiry.
DI Al-Owaied presented the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, and negotiated with them to secure charges and remands in custody for all of the offenders.
DI Al-Owaied continued to manage the subsequent investigation and worked tirelessly to secure and preserve relevant evidence.
“I am delighted to be receiving an award for our team’s work on Operation Isotope,” she said.
“From the outset, we were dedicated to protecting the victim in this case from further harm and bringing the perpetrators to justice for sexual and physical abuse and kidnap.
“Those at the ceremony persevered with professionalism and diligence to make this happen.”
DS Denard took over from DI Al-Owaied as the deputy SIO when she went on maternity leave.
DS Denard attended the trial to support the OIC and co-OIC, and in the lead up to the trial, attended meetings with the CPS prosecutor to manage any issues arising.
DS Denard’s management of issues relating to the victim, disclosure and the evidence in the case was critical in ensuring that the case continued and that the offenders were convicted.
“I’m extremely satisfied with the outcome,” he said.
“The investigation, due to its nature, complexity and the fact that there were eight suspects to trial, was a significant undertaking.
“The outcome is an excellent example of dedicated investigative work combined with excellent partnership engagement and support on many levels, the combination of which secure multiple convictions, lengthy prison sentences and a good outcome for the vulnerable female child victim.”
DC Miller was brought into the team as a disclosure officer, and co-officer in the case with DC Eele.
DC Miller’s attention to detail, resolve and commitment ensured she thoroughly reviewed and prepared for court the exceptional amount of evidence in the case, which significantly contributed to the conviction of the offenders.
“This investigation was a superb team effort; the result at court reflected this, which was reward in and of itself,” she said.
“That said, I am very pleased to be awarded a chief constable’s commendation.
“I appreciate the recognition of my grit and determination.”
As an enquiry officer, DS Mullar identified key evidence in the case that contributed toward the convictions of the offenders.
DS Mullar remained involved in the investigation throughout and assisted the OIC in the lead up to, and during the trial, managing case issues and ensuring that the case proceeded.
“I feel honoured to have received this commendation for the work we have done,” she said.
“As part of a great team, we were able to secure convictions and protect a vulnerable victim from any further harm.”
The investigation resulted in the seizure of a large number of devices and a significant volume of cell site, ANPR and call data, which the digital forensics team had to go through.
Digital Forensic Unit lead Andrew said: “I am immensely proud to receive this commendation, and do so on behalf of all the digital forensic staff that worked on this case.
“The case involved weeks of extracting and expertly analysing digital data from a large amount of suspects’ devices, to provide a rich evidence picture for the investigation teams to conclude with.
“Protecting and safeguarding the most vulnerable is at the heart of what we do.
“I am proud to lead such brilliant teams who passionately care about achieving justice for victims.”
Digital forensic unit investigator Charlie added: “I am deeply honoured to receive this commendation.
“I offer my sincerest gratitude to the chief constable and his team for this opportunity, and to my colleagues and friends who have supported me.
“I will continue to work to the best of my ability for Thames Valley Police, and the people that we serve and protect. Thank you.”
Miles, a digital forensic unit technician, said: “It is with pride and delight that I can accept this award, and wish to thank those who put me forward for this.
“It is often thankless work, and it does my heart good to have mine, and others, efforts recognised.”
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