Sussex Police officers awarded for 'remarkable bravery' and 'unwavering dedication'

Sussex Police celebrated its annual Brighton and Hove divisional awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 11 at the American Express Stadium in Falmer, recognising the incredible work achieved by staff, officers, and partners over the past year.

The event welcomed Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court, High Sheriff of East Sussex Lucinda Fraser DL, and Mayor of Brighton and Hove, councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, alongside the Brighton Command Team.

"Awards were presented to many deserving recipients, highlighting their remarkable bravery, unwavering dedication, exceptional teamwork, and high level of professionalism,” a Sussex Police spokesperson said.

"Each award celebrated individuals and teams who have consistently gone above and beyond in their duties, showcasing their commitment to assisting those in need and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community they serve.”

Chief Superintendent Rachel Carr, Divisional Commander for Brighton and Hove said: "We gather to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and outstanding public service demonstrated by our officers, staff, volunteers, and members of the public.

"This event highlights the incredible efforts you put forth, ensuring to uphold the Chief Constables priorities and meeting the public’s expectations with our commitment, professionalism, and integrity.

"Each one of you has contributed significantly to our community, and your achievements are truly commendable."

Here are some of the award winners:

Detective Sergeant Joshua Bellamy, recognised for his dedication and outstanding success in securing results in burglary cases

Detective Sergeant Bellamy was recognised for his exceptional work in securing convictions for burglary and acquisitive crimes, playing a crucial role in bringing numerous offenders to justice.

A police spokesperson said: “It was mentioned that he managed a demanding workload involving a high volume of cases and collaborated with various departments across the force to ensure the best possible outcomes for the victims he served.

“DS Bellamy gathered evidence to such a high standard that it often encouraged early guilty pleas, reducing the trauma for victims by sparing them from attending court.

“Through his hard work and dedication to his role, DS Bellamy amassed a wealth of experience, becoming a subject matter expert who continues to assist and support his policing colleagues.

“Over a six month period, the team DS Bellamy worked within obtained 42 burglary charges and 35 firearms and weapons charges.

“These have resulted in a current sentencing total of 23 years, with more sentencings pending, as well as many suspended sentences. One offender has also been recalled to prison.”

PC Emily Hamby and Investigator Santa Keise, recognised for their initiative and dedication to catching and convicting a woman who preyed on vulnerable adults.

PC Hamby had only recently joined Brighton's Neighbourhood Policing Team in November 2023 when she was assigned to a series of fraud cases after several vulnerable adults were targeted.

"Following the completion of various lines of enquiry, PC Hamby identified a suspect and other linked incidents where a woman was targeting vulnerable victims by asking them for money and taking them to cashpoints around Brighton and Hove,” the police spokesperson said.

"While out conducting enquiries in relation to the frauds, PC Hamby spotted the suspect and quickly arrested her.

“An investigation took place, and Santa Keise, the officer in charge of the investigation from Brighton's Criminal Investigation Department, began building the case and attained charges, resulting in the suspect being remanded in custody.

“With the work undertaken by both PC Hamby and Investigator Santa Keise, a six month custodial sentence was given, and further victims were prevented from harm.”

Brighton Business Improvement District (BID) – part of the Brighton Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP)

Brighton’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership works with businesses and the local authority to help prevent crime and disorder in the city centre.

Sussex Police said: “A key component is Brighton’s Business Improvement District (BID), an organisation formed of 517 city centre businesses and supported by ambassadors who conduct foot patrols and provide evidence and reports to the BCRP.

“In 2023 alone, ambassadors Harry Ratcliff, Mitchell Hayden, Bradley English, Isabel Gunn, Omar Mohamed and Josh Harris assisted local officers in identifying 133 persons suspected or wanted for offences, leading to their timely arrest and offenders being brought to justice.

“Their knowledge of those that cause harm in our communities and their commitment to working collaboratively with local officers via the BCRP is clear.

“Ranging from locating vulnerable missing persons to assisting bringing offenders to justice, Brighton Business Improvement District Ambassadors provide a valued contribution to the safety of our city.”

PC Ilysha Shorten, awarded for her life-saving actions on the cliff tops in Brighton.

In February, PC Shorten responded to reports of a missing child in Brighton.

A police spokesperson explained: “PC Shorten quickly established a rapport with the child over the phone, who disclosed she was on the cliff edge at Brighton Marina.

"Without hesitation, PC Shorten built on this relationship and successfully persuaded the child to move away from the cliff edge, ensuring her safety.

"She continued to communicate with her to ensure she received necessary treatment.”

Inspector James Ward and PCSO Hannah Stevens, awarded for their efforts to remove knives from the streets and educate the community about the dangers of carrying them.They were recognised for their planning and implementation of various engagement and knife removal activities during November 2023.

Police said: “These activities took place in schools, universities, green spaces, and the city centre, significantly contributing to the community's education around knives as well as policing efforts to remove weapons from being carried or used.

"The initiative involved collaborating with community partners such as Brighton and Hove City Council, taxi enforcement teams, Trading Standards, and the Sussex Community Search Team.

"Both Inspector Ward and PCSO Stevens demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving safety in Brighton and Hove.

"Their efforts directly led to increased awareness among young people and the wider community about serious violence, the potential consequences of carrying knives, and the supporting partner services available.”