POLICE had the toughest of jobs during what was one of the darkest moments in Leeton’s recent history.
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These gut-wrenching efforts have been recognised by the NSW Police Force, with Leeton’s Detective Sergeant Tim Clark and Detective Senior Constable Justin Milne the recipients of the Annual Detectives Board Award.
The honour comes following the part they played in Strike Force Gundabri, which was established to investigate the disappearance and murder of Leeton school teacher Stephanie Scott.
With little to go on other than her last known location on April 5, 2015, the detectives and strike force commenced a meticulous investigation that led them to identify the suspect and make an arrest.
The awards are held each year with only one Local Area Command handed the honour.
Griffith Local Area Command Commander Michael Rowan said the award belonged to the entire strike force that contributed to finding the person responsible for such a harrowing crime.
“I think it shows the capacity we have as a LAC and how hard-working and efficient our detectives are,” Commander Rowan said.
“In terms of police work, Stephanie was reported missing late on the Monday … by Wednesday an arrest had been made and by Friday (night) Stephanie’s body was located.
“It was through the dedication and skills of our strike force that this was able to happen in that time-frame.
“All of this then led to the result that was found in court last year.”
The man responsible, Vincent Stanford, was sentenced to life in jail, never to be released.
The award citation for Leeton’s detectives said the strike force had worked with a high-level of persistence and dedication to ensure justice for Miss Scott.
“This outcome is testament to the high-quality (work) of the investigation and the staff involved,” the citation read.
This is the first time detectives in the Griffith LAC have been honoured with the award.
Commander Rowan said it had been a team effort in what was a harrowing and sad time for the community of Leeton and across the country.
“It’s the entire strike force that was able to move quickly in this investigation,” he said.
