THE team which helped put a criminal who infected women with HIV behind bars has been honoured at the Wiltshire Police Force Awards.

Chief Inspector Helen Jacobs and Inspector Graham McLaughlin received an outstanding teamwork award for their work on Operation Wellington while colleague DC Snezhanna Lennon received a chief constable certificate of excellence.

Their work began in June 2017 when a woman told police John Rodney had deliberately given her the sexually transmitted disease when they had unprotected sex in 2015. An initial investigation revealed many more women could have been infected by the Toothill man and so a larger case began.

The police operation’s team spent months working round-the-clock speaking to scientists, working with other crime and health agencies, collecting and organising thousands of pieces of evidence to build a convincing case, and speaking to more than 50 potential victims and vulnerable witnesses.

After nearly three years, Rodney pleaded guilty to three counts of grievous bodily harm and received a 12-and-a-half-year extended sentence. Witnesses in court stood up and clapped during his sentencing.

Judge William Hart told the criminal, who was 61 at the time and already serving five years for breaching a sexual risk order: “What you did was in my judgement unforgivable. Indeed, your appalling criminal record is a litany of disregard for the interests and wellbeing of other people. You have brought misery to so many over the 60 years of your life.”

Rodney had appeared before the courts on 29 previous occasions for offences including wounding with intent, drug supply and pimping.

Rodney was diagnosed with HIV in 2013 but was said to have only sporadically been taking medication intended to reduce the chances of him infecting others.

Inspector McLaughlin told the Adver: “HIV still has a lot of unjustified stigma so there was a lot of sensitivity around the situation when we had to approach people to say they may be at risk. Only a handful of cases nationally dealt with HIV infections on that scale.

“We worked with scientists on complex areas so trying to present evidence in a way which could be easily understood was quite a challenge, especially when some of it had never been dealt with in the UK before.

“We worked with investigators from CID and local police and other agencies, Swindon Sexual Health, SBC, CPS. Bringing all that expertise together made sure the victims and witnesses could be supported throughout our investigation and the public health issue at the heart of this could be resolved.

“Coordinating a multi-agency effort took a lot of work, it was all we concentrated on for months and we were under immense pressure because the risks posed to others by Rodney was so high but we could rely on each other and our families and the rest of the force for support.

“The organisation and teamwork involved in such a detailed and thorough investigation is something I’ve taken forward into everything else I do now. You can’t afford to miss anything or leave gaps.

“It was a huge relief when he was convicted and the huge risk he posed to others had been averted, all the hard work paid off.

“There was a big sense of achievement as well as disappointment that it had got to that stage because there were so many opportunities where Rodney could have gone in a different direction.

“If he had listened to sexual health experts’ advice and heeded the warnings he had been given, we never would have got to that stage and we never would have dealt with victims who were so badly affected by it, because HIV is treatable and if someone has the right medication, they are not a risk to anyone.”

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “This award is presented in acknowledgement of the outstanding teamwork and professionalism shown during this investigation to bring this dangerous man to justice.

“This was a very challenging and protracted investigation, during which you supported the victims and each other.

“You demonstrated exemplary work which is reflective of force values and was recognised and commended by Judge Hart, something to be immensely proud of.”

Mr McLaughlin joined the virtual ceremony from home, with his family watching. He added: “My two young boys were really proud to see Dad get an award and it was really nice to hear about other work going on in the force.

“I’d recommended Snezhanna Lennon to be recognised but for the whole team to be recognised as well was a nice surprise.”

Kier Pritchard said of DC Lennon: “During the investigation you had to grasp complex legal and scientific arguments, often with little case law to refer to. You met with medical experts, legal professionals and those from other agencies, all of whom complimented your professionalism and your support for both the victims and the other organisations.

”Thank you for the hard work, dedication and innovation you have shown in bringing this dangerous man to justice.

“Your actions went above and beyond what is expected of you and following sentence, Judge Hart commended the investigation team for their painstaking and very difficult work and singled out your determination and professionalism. Comments which were met by a standing ovation from the victims and witnesses present in the courtroom.”

Along with the teamwork award, DCI Helen Jacobs received an award for her long service with Wiltshire Police.

She joined in January 2006 after six years with the Metropolitan Police Service.

While serving with the Met, she became a Sergeant on the Race and Violent Crime Task Force and Child Protection.

Helen joined the Wiltshire force as a temporary inspector, in the role of force duty inspector before going on to a brief period as Sector Inspector in Swindon.

After a community safety role, she was promoted to Chief Inspector in 2011 and became joint head of contact management. Helen transferred to Swindon CID as a Detective Inspector in 2016.