Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A young cyclist who helped to save a woman’s life in Ivybridge has been praised by police and has received an award at a special ceremony.

The aptly named Arthur Good, now aged 13, was on his bike when he witnessed a man assaulting a woman. She had sustained significant injuries and some of her family, who were also present, were extremely upset.

Arthur quickly called police for help and described his location and the incident in detail. He directed officers to where the victim was and she received the help she needed. Arthur’s quick thinking, courage and bravery in reporting the assault potentially saved the woman’s life. He received a Chief Superintendent's Commendation.

Arthur’s dad Tristan is very proud of his son and has recently joined the Devon & Cornwall Police ranks himself as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) based in South Devon. 

Arthur was one of around 50 people receiving awards at a recent ceremony in Torquay to honour police officers, staff and volunteers – as well as members of the public. 

Nominees were recognised for their bravery and commitment and for going above and beyond to help others.

Police Constable Simon Cooper received an award after helping to save a boy’s life at Hope Cove in South Devon when he was off duty.

PC Cooper saw the 14 year old lad struggling to stay afloat in the water, having been pulled out to sea in a rip current. The sea conditions were dangerous with large, powerful waves pushing the teenager underwater and putting him at great risk. After several minutes swimming out to sea, PC Simon Cooper eventually found the lad struggling and shouting for help and managed to bring him back ashore. The swimmer was treated by lifeguards after breathing in water and thankfully recovered.

PC Cooper was commended by Devon & Cornwall Police after displaying great courage and selflessness. He has previously received a Royal Humane Society award.   

South Devon Police Commander Chief Superintendent Roy Linden was one of those handing out the honours. He said: “I am always extremely impressed and humbled by the actions of both colleagues and members of the public who have received awards for putting the needs of others before themselves.  These events are a special way to celebrate their outstanding contributions in the company of their family and friends, and I would like to congratulate them all.”    

Detective Chief Superintendent Ben Deer, Head of Crime for Devon & Cornwall Police, kept it in the family when he handed a certificate to his wife Katy. She is a Detective Inspector who was commended for her part in a lengthy investigation into a dangerous sex offender. Following the police team’s work a 32 year old man was convicted and sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court and jailed for ten years and eight months.     

The offender pleaded guilty mid-trial to four counts of sexual activity with a child and breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Constable Garry Harding led a complex investigation into multiple, serious sexual offences against two child victims. The officer provided exceptional care and support to the vulnerable victims, who had shown real bravery in providing evidence. DC Harding worked tirelessly to review huge volumes of historic material and worked in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to secure 21 charges. He supported victims during the trial and provided such overwhelming evidence that the offender was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to 26 years in prison. DC Harding’s devotion to this case meant the victims saw the justice they rightly deserved. 

Member of the public Mr Lindsay Rogers reported information to police and secured vital evidence of a weapon after a seventeen-year-old boy was stabbed in Babbacombe and sustained life-threatening injuries. Mr Rogers challenged a person matching the suspect’s description who was hiding in his garden and was able to point out the direction the suspect had fled in. This allowed PC Rachel Prescott and police dog Phantom to apprehend the offender who was hiding nearby.

At court the perpetrator was found guilty of wounding and possession of a bladed article and was sentenced to three years imprisonment, along with a restraining order for five years - an outcome made possible by Mr Rogers’ quick thinking and action.

If you want to help others and make a difference you can sign up to join Devon & Cornwall Police. We have roles for police officers, staff and volunteers such as Police Cadets and Specials. To find out more please visit our Force website Careers within Devon & Cornwall Police | Devon & Cornwall Police

Pics below show South Devon Police Commander Roy Linden presenting a commendation to Arthur Good, Head of Crime Det Chief Supt Ben Deer presenting a commendation to his wife, Detective Inspector Katy Deer and Commander Roy Linden congratulating PC Simon Cooper.