THREE detectives were awarded for their persistence and success in catching an ‘extremely dangerous’ man who attacked an innocent young boy with a hammer.
The 13-year-old had been walking to school in Harrow town centre with some members of his family when he was ambushed by Kuljit Malhi, 32, of Leamington Crescent, Harrow.
It was an unprovoked and motiveless attack.
Detective Sergeant Lee Dempster, Detective Constable Steve Williams and Detective Constable Marcus Pericleous were all awarded a commendation by Harrow borough commander, Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, for their dedication and tenacity after they managed to lock up Malhi for 12 years.
At the police commendations ceremony on Friday last week at Harrow School in Harrow on the Hill, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Stride said: “The detectives reviewed the initial investigation and created fast time actions to identify suspects and to gather all the available evidence. These included scene management, witness interviews and a forensic submission plans.
“During the investigation, Det Sgt Dempster identified the vehicle used by Malhi and created a plan to ascertain the owner of the car, which later identified who the suspect in the case was.”
The team used a multitude of police systems and those from outside the policing arena, including the DVLA, and the result led to the suspect being arrested and interviewed.
Mr Stride added: “Their work required the utmost professionalism and dedication, as well as knowledge and enthusiasm to piece together hundreds of lines of enquiries to create a comprehensive picture.
“These enquiries required them to use specialist interviewing skills to meet with several vulnerable witnesses and they were able to persuade them to support the police in prosecuting an extremely dangerous individual.”
The attack happened in May 2011 and Malhi was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment in March this year after being found guilty by a jury at Harrow Crown Court.
