Officers and members of the public recognised for courage, professionalism, and dedication to keeping the Isle of Wight safe at Area Commander’s Awards

Two detectives whose dedicated work helped to secure an eight-year prison sentence following a rape in Newport have been recognised at the latest Isle of Wight Area Commander’s Awards last Tuesday (14 April).

It was also a chance for the force to thank brave members of the public who leapt into action to help others when they needed it most.

The Isle of Wight Area Commander’s Awards was hosted by Chief Inspector Andrew McDonald at the Newport Congregational Church on the evening of Tuesday 14 April 2026.

The awards welcomed Chief Constable of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Alexis Boon, and he was joined by Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Susan Sheldon, and Isle of Wight High Sheriff Nigel Hartley. The new Superintendent for the Isle of Wight Marcus Cator was also present to issue the Area Commander’s Awards.

Members of the police service were recognised for their commitment to upholding the force’s key values, namely delivering exceptional local policing, relentlessly pursing offenders, and ensuring victims across the Isle of Wight receive exceptional support.

A number of police officers and staff were also awarded their Police Long Service Awards or retirement certificates.

DC Ashlea-Paige Butt and DC Daniel Cooke were recognised with Area Commander’s Certificates for their diligence and professionalism investigating a rape case. Their compassion and support of the victim, and relentless pursuit of the suspect, resulted in a Stephen Rennie of Cypress Place, Inverness, being sentenced to eight years in prison in April 2026 for a rape reported in Newport in 2023.

DC Cooke was also recognised with an Area Commander’s Certificate alongside Independent Sexual Violence Advisers from Hampton Trust Deborah Gearing, Judi King, Mickayla Mulholland, and Shanice Harris, for their collective work on a separate rape case.

DC Cooke was commended for his compassion and support offered to the victim and witnesses, to minimise the distress when providing evidence in court.

Members of the public Gearing, King, Mulholland, and Harris were recognised for their outstanding dedication to victim care, ensuring all four survivors were supported throughout a complex case. Their compassionate coordination and consistent reassurance to victims enabled them to give evidence safely and confidently.

Their combined efforts resulted in an 18-year-conviction in April 2025 for Keith Matthews from Wootton Bridge on eight counts of non-recent sexual offences against three children in Ryde and East Cowes between 1994 and 2012.

The Awards also included a special presentation for Superintendent Rob Mitchell, who has retired after over thirty years in policing with his final three years in the force spent as Superintendent for the Isle of Wight.

Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Alexis Boon said: “The Isle of Wight Chief Constable’s Awards Evening provides a fabulous opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the incredible work carried out by our officers, staff and volunteers, as well as the exceptional contributions made by members of the public to the safety of our communities across the Isle of Wight.

“It is a real pleasure to hear and share stories of tenacity, victim‑focused policing, and unwavering dedication to our communities across the Island. Recognising these individuals for their exceptional acts and service is vitally important, and I offer my warmest congratulations to all those honoured this evening.”

Outgoing Superintendent Rob Mitchell said: “From my first day working on the Isle of Wight I observed the unique character of Island police officers and staff and was so impressed by their positive “can do” approach to policing.

“That positivity extends to our partner agency colleagues, and members of the public, and this evening lets us come together to celebrate the real passion and commitment demonstrated by everyone who works in, with, and in support of policing on the Isle of Wight.”

Speaking at the ceremony, the new Isle of Wight Area Commander, Superintendent Marcus Cator, said: “This is my first Area Commander’s Awards as Superintendent for the Isle of Wight and it is has been hugely rewarding to reflect on the difference the actions of police officers, staff, and members of the public have made to people across the Isle of Wight.

“This evening is a really important moment in which we celebrate officers and staff who have dedicated service to the public and policing as a whole on the Island. It is also an opportunity to give special recognition to the members of our force, and the wider community, who have gone above and beyond what we as leaders would expect of them, taking action that ultimately has saved lives or seen them putting themselves at risk to look after vulnerable members of the public.

“I am incredibly proud of the people who serve our communities across the Island and work relentlessly to make the lives of residents and visitors safer day-in-and-day-out.”