Commended for their extraordinary actions

MARCH 19th, 1998
MA98_06

Pc Robert Coltman, from Clacton, was commended for his diligence and keen observation whilst off duty, which led directly to the arrest of a known paedophile who had just abducted a juvenile. This arrest prevented the juvenile from serious harm.

The defendant appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court in October and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment for an offence of indecent assault.

Dc Paul Maleary, from Braintree, was commended for the courage and tenacity he displayed in his pursuit and arrest of a man suspected of being involved in an armed robbery, and who was believed to be in possession of a firearm. The officer's paramount concern was for the safety of the general public and whilst displaying little regard for his own personal safety, demonstrated professionalism and dedication above and beyond the call of duty. As a result two men have been charged with robbery and are awaiting trial at crown court.

On the same day, Section Officer Derek Hopkins, from Witham, used his own vehicle to follow some suspicious looking men in Kelvedon. Believing they had just committed a crime and may be armed, he provided the Force Information Room with a running commentary. Mr Hopkins was commended for his "professional actions in alerting the police". As a direct result of these actions, two men were arrested.

Two traffic officers who helped rescue men from a burning flat have also been rewarded for their actions. Pc Alan Chapman and Pc Clifford Boon, from Harlow spotted the fire in November as they were out on patrol in the early hours of the morning. They went into the flat and found two men in a dazed and confused state and helped them to safety. Their prompt action undoubtedly prevented serious or even fatal consequences.

Also commended were Inspector Janice Harrison, Pc Wendy Brown and Pc Diana Taylor, from Chelmsford, for their professional and caring actions towards a man threatening to throw himself off a multi-storey car park in Chelmsford.

On the officers' arrival, the man was throwing missiles, making threats to others below and had a rope around his neck. Knowing the man would only talk to female officers, they gained access to the building and persuaded him to come down. He was taken to the Linden Centre (Psychiatric Wing at Broomfield Hospital) for treatment.