DOZENS of officers and staff at Suffolk police are to be rewarded for their resilient and dedicated detective work in bringing a rapist to justice.

Dave Gooderham

DOZENS of officers and staff at Suffolk police are to be rewarded for their resilient and dedicated detective work in bringing a rapist to justice.

A 21-year-old was kidnapped by a stranger from the Tesco car park in Brandon and subjected to a sickening sex attack in June 2008.

Last October, Robert English, 58, of Fiddlewood Road, Norwich was sent to prison for life after a court heard he had hid behind a “family man” guise.

Now 34 members of Suffolk police's Major Investigation Team (MIT) who helped bring about the successful prosecution of the rapist will receive a commendation from Chief Constable Simon Ash.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: “The crime was undertaken by the then newly formed MIT who were supported by other constabulary departments.

“The case tested the structure, procedures, resilience and detective ability of all the MIT staff and demonstrated the effectiveness of a dedicated team investigating the most serious and complex cases.”

The awards will salute numerous members of the MIT team including scenes of crime officers, air operations and staff from Suffolk police's victim care centre and press office.

They are part of 75 commendations and certificates in recognition of particularly professional or outstanding work.

They include seven certificates of merit being presented to officers involved in rescuing a man from the top of the Willis Corroon building in Ipswich last August.

The incident has already seen Sgt Alistair Livingstone and Pc Ali Maidment receive Stars of Suffolk Awards and be nominated for Police Federation Bravery Awards.

Certificates of appreciation will also be presented to members of the public including Jenny Bradin and Kevin Rawlins in recognition of their “valuable support” during the visit of the Queen for the Maundy Money service in Bury St Edmunds in April.

The police presentations ceremony will take place on Monday night at Suffolk Constabulary headquarters in Martlesham Heath.