Milton Keynes police officer honoured for tracking down sex offender

Detective Sergeant Phil Walsh, together with prosecution barrister and Abigail Husbands, played a major role in the prosecution of Simon Evans, aged 52, of no fixed abode, for six offences of indecent assault and three offences of gross indecency.

The charges related to offences committed between 1989 and 1999 in the Derby area. At the time of his arrest,

After being charged and bailed, he failed to attend Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court and fled the country.

Mr Walsh worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to pursue the investigation and in October 2014 Evans was arrested in Greece and brought back to the UK.

Evans was found guilty in April 2015 and sentenced at Amersham Crown Court to 11 and a half years’ imprisonment.

Mr Walsh and Abigail Husbands were yesterday presented with a Commendation by Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Francis Habgood in recognition of their leadership, commitment and outstanding dedication to the case.

Chief Constable Habgood said: “It is my absolute honour and privilege to present these Commendations in recognition of the professionalism, skills, bravery and exemplary actions of those involved, whether they are receiving a commendation in relation to an emergency response incident or for their dedication to investigative work and bringing an offender to justice.

“To hear the stories behind these commendations it is clear that the recipients, whether they are our own officers or members of the public, have each gone the extra mile – sometimes in potentially life-or-death situations – and are well deserving of this recognition.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the recipients, including those being recognised for long service. They deserve to feel extremely proud.”

Det Chief Supt Gilbert Houalla, Head of Crime Investigation in TVP, said: “I am delighted that the Chief Constable agreed to my request and commended Det Sgt Phil Walsh and Ms Abigail Husbands for the arrest and conviction of a sexual offender who did his best to evade capture, but it simply was not enough.

“It is due to their tenacity and sheer determination that they saw justice done. It is that kind of officer and CPS lawyer I admire most, those who don’t give up too readily on their victims.”