A LONG-serving officer who goes above and beyond to doggedly pursue major investigations and tirelessly support victims of crime has been named Detective of the Year at the inaugural Avon and Somerset Police Federation Recognition Awards.

DC Stuart Brooks, from CID North Team 3, was nominated by one of his colleagues who said he was “the best detective I’ve ever worked with”.

Last year he secured the conviction of a former prison officer who had physically abused dozens of children at the juvenile detention centre Eastwood Park in the 1970s and 1980s.

DC Brooks was the officer in charge (OIC) and sole investigator of the case. The trial took eight weeks and DC Brooks supported all the victims during this time; the perpetrator was eventually convicted of misconduct and jailed for three and a half years.

DC Brooks also secured the conviction and prison sentence of a man who was a repeat domestic abuse perpetrator and posed a real risk to society. Despite the efforts of the police, the man was never convicted for those offences, but he then proceeded to run over a member of the public in his car and DC Brooks secured a conviction for GBH.

DC Brooks, who joined the force in 1996, decided from a young age that he wanted to be an officer, inspired by the police-officer parents of two of his close school friends. He pursued his dreams and has worked in CID since 2007.

He said: “For me, CID is about helping those who are the most vulnerable and have been affected by some very serious crimes. The only thanks I’ve ever wanted is a thanks from them. It’s very nice to win this award and get recognition from my bosses. But last year, after a very difficult trial over Eastwood Park, the victims all came up to me, shook my hand and said, ‘Thanks very much’. That was good enough for me.”

Avon and Somerset Police Federation’s Acting Chair, Iain Prideaux, said: “Stuart is not only a great investigator, he is also positive, upbeat and provides continued support to new recruits as a tutor.

“As a career detective myself, I know how difficult and demanding this role can be, but Stuart is the best of the best.

“He is always there to help everyone, no matter whether it’s members of the public or his colleagues.

“Stuart is very deserving of this Award.”

When discussing DC Brooks, DI Harriet Drewett stated: “I don't know anyone who loves his job more. He is the backbone of our team, a strong leader and a true inspiration and credit not just to CID but to the whole of Avon and Somerset Police."

DC Brooks will attend the Avon and Somerset Police Federation Recognition Awards on Thursday, October 3.