THE detectives who brought to justice a medical student who threw acid in a junior doctor’s face and a community officer who helped track down a man who was defecating outside a family home are among those to have received a commendation from Sussex Police.
Detective Inspector Simon Morgan and his team received a divisional commendation at the Brighton and Hove Divisional Awards ceremony on June 6 for their investigation into an attack by Milad Rouf that left his victim with devastating injuries.
Rym Alaoui was subjected to the horrific attack in Brighton in 2021 when she was tricked by Rouf on her doorstep.
Rouf, a medical student, travelled to the city and disguised himself in a fat suit in order to fool his former partner and carry out the assault.
DI Morgan and his team were among dozens of officers and staff who received the awards from Jane King, the high sheriff of East Sussex, and councillor Lizzie Deane, mayor of Brighton and Hove, in a ceremony held at Hove Cricket Ground.
DI Morgan described the investigation that led to Rouf being sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with a four-year extended licence as “unique”.
“The way he planned the attack was like something out of a movie,” said DI Morgan, who also receieved two certificates of merit for his police work on additional cases.
In announcing the awards, chief superintendent Justin Burtenshaw, divisional commander, paid tribute to every officer and member of staff in the division who often “risk their life while carrying out their daily work”.
“As divisional commander it is my privilege to celebrate the dedication, courage and incredible work of our officers, staff, volunteers and members of the public,” he told the officers, many of whom were accompanied by members of their family.
“All of our nominees have gone above and beyond in their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities, catching criminals and delivering an outstanding service to victims, witnesses and the community.”
He added: “I would like to personally thank everybody who works so hard to keep the people of Brighton and Hove safe.”
Others who received awards included Sophie Hughes, a Police Community Support Officer, who helped track down a man who was defecating outside a family home in Hove, and the licensing team, headed by Michelle Palmer-Harris, ops and events inspector with Sussex Police.
Ms Palmer-Harris said the team continues to work closely with the night-time economy in Brighton and Hove to tackle the increased reporting of drink spiking and needle spiking.
“It’s been great for us to receive this award but thanks has to go to the bars and clubs of the night-time economy, and members of the public, who have really helped us tackle this issue,” she added.
Also receiving an award at the ceremony were PC John Mongan and PC Jordan Goddard, who attended a domestic abuse incident in Brighton. They were later confronted by the woman’s abuser who arrived at the scene armed with a knife.
“It was a high-risk situation but the training kicks in,” said PC Mongan. “You do what you have to do, discuss it for a bit with a colleague when it’s over … and then move on to the next job.”
READ MORE: Sentence increased for ex-boyfriend who threw acid in junior doctor’s face in Brighton
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