Detectives who solved one of Staffordshire Police’s most high-profile investigations have been honoured.The desecration of Gladys Hammond’s grave shocked the nation. 

The attack in St Peter’s churchyard, Yoxall in October 2004, was the culmination of a six-year terror campaign. Officers who investigated the case helped capture the four animal rights extremists responsible who received jail sentences totalling 40 years.

Stafford Police’s Chief Constable David Swift handed out a total of 57 awards – more than in the whole of the last year – at the force’s HQ in Stafford yesterday.

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Detectives who solved one of Staffordshire Police’s most high-profile investigations have been honoured.The desecration of Gladys Hammond’s grave shocked the nation. 

The attack in St Peter’s churchyard, Yoxall in October 2004, was the culmination of a six-year terror campaign. Officers who investigated the case helped capture the four animal rights extremists responsible who received jail sentences totalling 40 years.

Stafford Police’s Chief Constable David Swift handed out a total of 57 awards – more than in the whole of the last year – at the force’s HQ in Stafford yesterday.

They included 26 commendations to officers, 22 certificates of appreciation to other police forces and partner organisations, and nine team commendations.

Home Secretary John Reid had hailed it as “one of the most robust and determined investigations ever taken by the police service into animal rights extremists”.

The cost was £839,663 and saw officers take 2,114 statements, trace and interview 698 witnesses, gather and document 3,413 exhibits and prepare 100,000 A4 documents for trial

Mr Swift said his officers went above and beyond the call of duty. “They turned rumour and gossip into facts and evidence and pushed the boundaries of law enforcement, so I am delighted to recognise these people for their efforts,” he said.