Neighbours who saved Gosport stabbing victim's life handed police awards

Olivia Pinkney handed out gongs in her inaugural chief constable’s awards ceremony at Hampshire police’s training headquarters in Netley.

Neighbours Roy Bebington and Chad Newman were among those honoured after they leapt into action when Simon Smith was stabbed by his wife Crystal Smith, 31, at his home in Gorselands Way, Gosport, in February last year.

Roy was first on the scene and put pressure on Simon’s wounds after he suffered a severed artery and lost six pints of blood.

A police spokeswoman said: ‘Having lost six pints of blood there is no doubt that he would have died had it not been for the quick-thinking actions of those who found him.

‘Neighbour Roy Bebington was first on the scene who quickly sprang into action to apply pressure on the wounds.

‘He was joined by Chad Newman who ensured emergency services were directed to the right address, saving precious minutes.

‘The first officers to arrive were PS Danielle Ruzewicz and PC Chris Dawes who helped with first aid, using a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.’

The two police officers, along with investigating officer DS Roger Wood, were also handed a chief constable award for their work on the case.

The spokesman added: ‘PS Ruzewicz’s team then completed a very thorough “golden hour” enquiries which gave the necessary momentum to successfully charge the defendant within the first 36 hours.

‘Then with the help of DS Roger Wood, who was the officer in the case, Crystal Smith was found guilty at court and sentenced to nine years in prison.

‘DS Wood’s actions received high praise from a retired deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police for his “meticulous preparation of the case file for the CPS and subsequent family support during the trial”.

Crystal Smith, 31, of Methuen Road, Eastney, during the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, was found guilty of wounding intent and jailed for nine years.

And top work by domestic abuse charity and Havant police won Sgt Garry Smith, Lyn Tillers and Shonagh Dillon chief constable congratulations.

The trio came up with an idea for a Domestic Abuse car, which sees advocates from Aurora New Dawn, based in Havant, go out to incidents with police.

The spokeswoman added: ‘This gives victims access to an enhanced service immediately, with advocates helping to break down barriers between police and the victim so that officers can help them through what is undoubtedly a very critical and potentially life-changing stage of their life.

‘Had it not been for the creativity and tenacious drive demonstrated by these three and others involved in the project, this success would not have been possible.

‘They received a Chief Constable Congratulations for their innovative partnership work, resulting in the police and Aurora New Dawn working in collaboration to provide an enhanced service to victims of domestic abuse.’

Speaking about the awards, Mrs Pinkney added: ‘This is a great opportunity to recognise the excellent and hard work of officers, staff, volunteers and members of the public across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

‘From long service and good conduct awards to acts of extreme bravery, remarkable teamwork and tremendous detective ability, this ceremony highlights the passion and desire to help serve our communities.

‘I am immensely proud of the dedication of our officers and staff and it is a great pleasure to recognise the contribution members of our community make to keeping our counties safe and in helping us to protect the vulnerable.’