Detective Constable Victoria Ashworth-Kirby has been nominated for a national Police Now ‘Alumni Impact Award’ for her role in ensuring a serial rapist and sex offender was sentenced to 27 years behind bars.
Victoria initially supported the investigation to help secure 10 charges, including rape and voyeurism. When she then took over as Officer in Charge (OIC) of the case, her thorough and meticulous investigation led to an additional 82 charges being authorised – resulting in a total of 92 charges and becoming one of the largest cases for Sussex Police in 2023.
The offender, who sexually assaulted and raped six young men between 1999 -2021, was sentenced this year to a total of 27 years in prison, with an additional five years to be spent on licence.
Victoria identified and managed hundreds of pieces of digital evidence across multiple platforms. She utilised specialist investigative skills including working with a digital expert who was able to date VHS tapes based on the frequency of their images. Her investigation uncovered further victims than initially identified, and she was commended for the exceptional welfare support she provided to them.
DC Victoria Ashworth-Kirby, who trained on Police Now’s National Detective Programme, said: “The victims in this case have shown remarkable strength to support these prolonged proceedings, while we sought to secure the justice they deserve. They must live with the impact of these crimes for the rest of their lives. It is right that this dangerous man will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
“I have had incredible support from my force colleagues during this investigation and from Police Now since joining the force. I am proud of the results of this investigation and am humbled by the award nominations.
“Whilst nothing can eliminate the ordeal the victims have been subjected to, knowing that we have removed a dangerous predator from the streets hopefully provides at least a small comfort and a sense of closure to the victims, who have demonstrated great courage and perseverance.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Miles Ockwell said: “This case demonstrates the value that the Police Now programme has given to policing. The programme has exposed Victoria to the type of investigation which might previously have required years of navigating traditional entry routes.
“Victoria’s outstanding detective work is demonstrated by the number of charges she secured and the lengthy sentence coming from them, and I am delighted to see that being rewarded by this nomination.”
On top of her Police Now award nomination, Victoria has also been nominated for Sussex Police’s Student Officer of the Year award for the second year running.
Victoria joined Sussex Police in 2021 via Police Now’s National Detective Programme, which recruits, trains and supports talented graduates to become qualified detectives and outstanding frontline investigators in two years.
Police Now’s Alumni Impact Awards celebrate the achievements of officers who have graduated from one of Police Now’s national programmes and have gone above and beyond to reduce or solve crimes, problem-solve in their communities, or innovate and lead within policing. The winners will be announced in October at Police Now’s annual awards ceremony and the winner of Sussex Police’s Student Officer of the Year will be announced at a force ceremony in November.
