AWARDS have been presented to organisations within the Essex criminal justice system for going “the extra mile”.

Essex Criminal Justice Board sponsor Frances Done, chair of the national Youth Justice Board, thanked all of the nominees at the Essex Criminal Justice Board’s Justice Awards for the work they are doing to make a difference to the way justice is delivered in the county.

Among the 15 nominees from all areas of the criminal justice system, Awards of Commendation were presented to:

l Witness Care officer Wendy Counsell

l The Essex Police and CPS Crown Court Witness Care Team

l Colchester Witness Care Team; Witness Service staff and volunteers at Harwich and Witham magistrates’ courts; court staff at Harwich and Witham; Witness Intermediary Gary Kirkley; and Crown Prosecutor Fiona Hardman.

l Maldon Council Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership manager Julia Mackenzie

All nominees demonstrated dedication and commitment in support of victims and witnesses, working with offenders and tackling youth crime.