Westcliff: Detectives and police analyst commended following fatal stabbing

Two detectives and a police analyst have been commended for the part they played in bringing six men to justice and securing jail sentences totalling 116 years following the murder of a young man.

Asqeri Spaho, 25, died after being stabbed during an aggravated burglary at a property in Tintern Avenue, Westcliff on 12 December 2019. Another man was taken to hospital for treatment to a stomach injury.

The group of men had broken in to steal cannabis growing inside and the investigation proved challenging because of links to organised crime and complex forensic evidence.

But, jailing the six men involved at Basildon Crown last April, Judge Samantha Leigh said the case had been built on ‘solid police work’.

It was Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood’s first homicide as a senior investigating officer. He and two colleagues have now been commended by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington for their professionalism and for their dedication and determination to achieve justice for the victim’s family.

Greg’s leadership ensured that a compelling case was presented at court by officer in the case DC Aimee Burton, who was herself praised by Judge Leigh, who said Aimee had been ‘professional, of great assistance to the prosecuting advocates, the defence and the court’.

“It was clear to see the amount of work the officer in the case had undertaken and that level of commitment carried on during the trial. 
“In light of this, DC Burton should be commended for her work on this case and, I say this gladly, it was a pleasure to have such a well-investigated case before me.”
Judge Samantha Leigh

 

“I feel proud to have been recognised alongside my colleagues for a commendation.
“For me, justice for the family is paramount and I hope that the sentences and successful trial has given them some peace and closure. I am really pleased that the sentences reflected the severity of the harm those six men caused.”
Detective Constable Aimee Burton

 

“It was a complicated and complex investigation and the way the team carefully considered and interpreted the vast amount of material that was gathered is to their credit.
“Recognising this achievement is important to everyone on the team who gave so much of their lives to the investigation into Mr Spaho’s murder over the course of 18 months.
“The weight of responsibility can sit heavily when you are trying to seek justice for a family who have lost someone they love.
“However, it was a real privilege to be able to be part of a team which made it their absolute focus to work tirelessly for Asqeri’s family and friends.” 
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood

 

Criminal intelligence analyst Richard Donaghy was also commended his part in the investigation. Richard analysed large amounts of data which proved the movement of, and communication between, the six defendants.

He presented his findings to the jury in such a way that left them with no doubt as to who was responsible for Mr Spaho’s murder.

“It was such an honour to receive a Commendation from the Chief Constable and to do so alongside my excellent colleagues who were also recognised for their dedication during this complex investigation.
“Mr Spaho and his family were certainly in my thoughts when I was presented with my certificate. I am pleased that the perpetrators are no longer a threat to the public and I hope that is some comfort to Mr Spaho’s family.”
Criminal intelligence analyst Richard Donaghy

 

“For 18 months, the Major Crime team worked methodically to untangle a hugely complex case, involving links to organised crime.
“Once they had identified the suspects, they made full use of the digital opportunities available to them, including automatic number plate recognition, CCTV and communications data, to build a quality case which resulted in substantial jail terms for everyone involved on that fateful night.
“Very often the work that goes on to investigate crimes like this does not get seen by the public but there are scores of dedicated people working hard to bring these cases to court and the public do see safer streets and communities as a result.
“This case demonstrates the sheer determination that all my officers and staff show every day to tackle serious violent and drug-related crimes and ensure those involved are brought to justice.”
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington

 

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