A POLICE officer who spent two years working to bring a Portbury paedophile to justice has been honoured for his dedication to the case.

North Somerset Times: Kevin Langman, with the High Sheriff of Bristol, Dr Shaheen ChaudhryKevin Langman, with the High Sheriff of Bristol, Dr Shaheen Chaudhry (Image: supplied)

DC Ian Prideaux was given a Judge’s Commendation during a ceremony on Thursday after he helped secure a conviction against a man who had sexually abused his daughter and three other girls in the 1970s and 80s. Last year, the man was sentenced to 11 years in jail.

DC Prideaux was one of 13 police officers and members of the public to be rewarded at the Chief Constable’s Awards event, which was held at Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Portishead headquarters on Thursday.

Recognition was given to officers who have solved major crimes or to those people who have showed exceptional bravery and community spirit.

Also among them was Kevin Langman, from Wrington, who received a Waley Cohen Award for his actions in stopping a drink driver.

The incident happened in Yatton, when he became increasingly concerned about the erratic and dangerous driving of a car in front of him.

When it stopped at a set of traffic lights in the village, he got out of his car, took the keys from the other vehicle’s ignition and called the police.

He refused to hand the keys back to the woman driver, who then walked off.

Mr Langman was able to help the police find her half-a-mile away, identified her and made a statement.

Chief Superintendent Caroline Peters said: “It is highly likely that Mr Langman’s actions prevented a serious collision occurring had the offender, who was undoubtedly very drunk, succeeded in turning onto the busy major road ahead.

“There is no doubt he showed a great deal of public spirit and courage in his willingness to get involved.”