Island Police Officers And Public Honoured At Annual Awards Ceremony

Police officers, staff and members of the public have been recognised for their work supporting victims and tackling serious crime at the latest Isle of Wight Area Commander’s Awards.

The event, held at Newport Congregational Church on Tuesday 14 April, celebrated a range of achievements across policing on the Island, including investigations that led to lengthy prison sentences in serious sexual offence cases.

The ceremony was hosted by Chief Inspector Andrew McDonald and attended by senior figures including Chief Constable of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Alexis Boon, Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern, Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant Susan Sheldon and High Sheriff Nigel Hartley.

The Island’s new Superintendent Marcus Cator also presented awards.

A number of officers and staff were recognised for long service and retirement, alongside awards for outstanding policing, victim support and community involvement.

Officers Praised For Major Rape Investigation

Detectives DC Ashlea-Paige Butt and DC Daniel Cooke received Area Commander’s Certificates for their work on a rape investigation in Newport.

Their “diligence and professionalism”, along with their support for the victim and pursuit of the suspect, contributed to a conviction resulting in an eight-year prison sentence for Stephen Rennie in April 2026.

DC Cooke was also recognised alongside Independent Sexual Violence Advisers from Hampton Trust for their work on a separate rape case.

The group were praised for their compassion, victim support and efforts to help witnesses give evidence in court.

That case led to the conviction of Keith Matthews from Wootton Bridge, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison in April 2025 for multiple historic sexual offences against children in Ryde and East Cowes.

Public Also Recognised For Bravery And Support

The awards also highlighted the role of members of the public who stepped in to help others in difficult situations, as well as specialist support workers who supported vulnerable victims through complex legal proceedings.

Superintendent Retirement Marked

A special presentation was made to Superintendent Rob Mitchell, who has retired after more than 30 years in policing, including three years leading the Isle of Wight command.

‘Exceptional Work Across The Island’

Chief Constable Alexis Boon said the evening was an opportunity to recognise “tenacity, victim-focused policing, and unwavering dedication” across Island communities.

Superintendent Marcus Cator, speaking at his first Island awards as Area Commander, said he was “hugely proud” of the work being done locally.

He added that the event highlighted officers and members of the public who had “gone above and beyond” and, in some cases, taken action that had “ultimately saved lives or seen them putting themselves at risk to look after vulnerable members of the public.”