Rochdale police team win two awards for putting away dangerous domestic abuser

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

Rochdale CID’s Operation Cardington team

The Rochdale police team behind Operation Cardington – which put away a dangerous domestic abuser from Middleton – has won two awards from Greater Manchester Police’s chief constable.

The Chief Constable’s Annual Awards 2023 took place on Friday 13 October, with teams and individuals recognised for their achievements over the past year.

With 18 categories in total, the awards look to highlight shining examples of best practice, bravery, and teamwork across all levels and areas of the force.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson was responsible for deciding the individual category winners, as well as the winner of the Overall Award.

Rochdale CID’s Operation Cardington team – Detective Sergeants Ruth Thompson, Tim O’Callagan and Rick Shelton, Detective Constables Marshall Trower, Russ Clarke, Mel Jeffery, Rachael Stafford, Georgina Jones and Hannah Havard and Intelligence Support Officer Kelly Parkinson – were presented with both the Criminal Investigation of the Year and the Overall Award.

CC Watson said: “Friday night’s event shone a light on the fantastic work being done by teams and individuals across GMP as we look to progress from being the most improved force in the country to the best force in the country.

“As I read through the details of the work of the nominees for each of the categories, I felt incredibly proud to be the Chief Constable of this resurgent organisation – and I had that feeling again on the big night itself.

“These award winners are leading by example, delivering the level of service we expect and are expected to provide the communities of Greater Manchester.”

Under Operation Cardington, DS Thompson – who won a National Police Chiefs’ award for the investigation earlier this year – led a team of detectives who helped secure a 28-year sentence against Andrew Ellison.

Operation Cardington was first launched back in February 2022 following a catalogue of rape and domestic abuse and violence disclosures from a woman in her 30s in Middleton.

Ellison was jailed for 24 years after being found guilty of 28 offences of domestic abuse, harassment, rape and sexual assault against five women. He was also sentenced to a four-year extended licence period.
 

Read more: Middleton man jailed for multiple sexual offences against womenPublished: 31 March 2023