Detective Constable Victoria Ashworth-Kirkby has been nominated for a prestigious Police Now ‘Alumni Impact Award’ for her exceptional role in ensuring a serial rapist and sex offender received a 27-year prison sentence. DC Ashworth-Kirkby’s diligent investigation turned one of Sussex Police’s biggest cases of 2023 into a success, resulting in justice for multiple victims.

Victoria initially supported the investigation into the offender, which led to 10 charges, including rape and voyeurism. Once she took over as Officer in Charge (OIC), her meticulous work led to an additional 82 charges, resulting in a total of 92 charges being brought against the offender. The case became one of the largest for Sussex Police last year.

The offender, Ian Elliott, 71, of North Heath near Pulborough, sexually assaulted and raped six young men between 1999 and 2021. He was sentenced in February 2024 to 18 years in prison, with an additional five years to be spent on licence. Following an appeal in May, this sentence was extended to 27 years, with another five years on extended licence.

DC Ashworth-Kirby’s investigation involved managing hundreds of pieces of digital evidence across various platforms. Her work included collaborating with a digital expert who could date VHS tapes based on the frequency of their images, which was crucial in building the case. Her efforts uncovered more victims than initially identified, and she was praised for providing exceptional welfare support to the victims throughout the proceedings.

Speaking about her nomination, DC Victoria Ashworth-Kirkby said: “The victims in this case have shown remarkable strength to support these prolonged proceedings, while we sought to secure the justice they deserve. They must live with the impact of these crimes for the rest of their lives. It is right that this dangerous man will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.

“I have had incredible support from my force colleagues during this investigation and from Police Now since joining the force. I am proud of the results of this investigation and am humbled by the award nominations. While nothing can eliminate the ordeal the victims have been subjected to, knowing that we have removed a dangerous predator from the streets hopefully provides at least a small comfort and a sense of closure to the victims, who have demonstrated great courage and perseverance.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Miles Ockwell also praised Victoria’s work, saying: “This case demonstrates the value that the Police Now programme has given to policing. The programme has exposed Victoria to the type of investigation which might previously have required years of navigating traditional entry routes.

“Victoria’s outstanding detective work is demonstrated by the number of charges she secured and the lengthy sentence coming from them, and I’m delighted to see that being rewarded by this nomination.”

In addition to the Police Now award nomination, DC Ashworth-Kirkby has also been nominated for Sussex Police’s Student Officer of the Year award for the second consecutive year. Victoria joined Sussex Police in 2021 through Police Now’s National Detective Programme, which recruits, trains, and supports talented graduates to become qualified detectives in two years.

The Police Now Alumni Impact Awards celebrate the achievements of officers who have completed one of Police Now’s national programmes and have gone above and beyond to solve crimes, support communities, or innovate within policing. Winners will be announced at Police Now’s annual awards ceremony in October, while the Sussex Police Student Officer of the Year award will be announced at a ceremony in November.