Category Archives: Wiltshire Police

Please find below a family tribute to Alistair Michael Porter, known as Mike, who died from the injuries he sustained after being trampled by cattle in Turleigh on Monday.

“Mike Porter was born in Woking in Surrey on 18 September 1946.

“He attended Bradfield College in Reading and went on to Durham University, graduating with a Masters in Social Sciences.

“Mike took a post at Edinburgh University in 1970 at the Faculty of Medicine. He worked as a lecturer there until his retirement in 2011. Mike published work and researched in many areas of medical practice and medical sociology. He was very popular with his medical students.

“Mike and Adrienne Sillar made their home in the Newington area of Edinburgh with their two sons, Robbie, 28, and Nick, 31. Mike was passionate about classical music and regularly attended concerts. He was very fit and active, a keen off-road cyclist and a walker who had roamed Scotland. In February he completed a four day ‘tramp’ in the New Zealand bush with his brother in law.

“Mike was killed on Monday in a freak accident when walking with his brother in Wiltshire. He leaves Adrienne and the two sons and a very large group of friends who are devastated by the loss of such a lovely and caring person.

“We are still concerned about the health of Mike’s brother who was badly injured in the accident and air lifted to hospital.

“We are in shock and devastated by the loss of our lovely Mike. We are in discussion with the coroner and would ask people to respect our need for privacy at this time. We would also like to thank our incredible friends and family for their warmth and support.”

A prestigious Force Awards Ceremony was held at Wiltshire Police headquarters in Devizes on May 9th 2013 to recognise and reward a number of police officers and police staff.

Chief Constable Patrick Geenty was joined by Deputy Chief Constable Mike Veale, Vice-Lord Lieutenant Lansdowne, High Sheriff William Wyldbore-Smith and Under Sheriff Lady Sarah Gooch to make the presentations.

19 police officers and staff received awards including Long Service and Good Conduct medals and a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Commendation.

The ceremony also included the Dan Cooper Memorial Award being presented. This award was introduced in memory of Police Constable Dan Cooper who tragically lost his life on 1 February 2010 whilst responding to a call for assistance from colleagues. It was presented by Chief Constable Patrick Geenty and Dan’s father, Andrew.

Full details of the award recipients are as follows:

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals – Police Officers
Police Constable Mark Wallace – Based at Devizes HQ
Police Constable Ivor Noyce – Based at Amesbury station
Police Sergeant Simon Drewett – Based at Swindon Gablecross
Police Constable Mark Harris – Based at Swindon Gablecross
Detective Sergeant Peter Ritson – Based at Marlborough station
Detective Constable Elizabeth Booker – Based at Swindon Gablecross
Police Constable Tina Staynings – Based at Swindon Gablecross
Police Constable Richard Oakman – Based at Devizes Borough
Police Constable David Townsend – Based at Melksham station
Police Constable Kevin Robert – Based at Melksham station
Police Sergeant Richard Tottle – Based at Melksham station
Police Sergeant Barry Reed – Based at Swindon Gablecross
Police Constable Simon Coughlan – Based at Devizes HQ.

Chief Constable’s Commendation

Police Constable Sandra Higgins-Hughes – based at Swindon Gablecross.

Police Constable Higgins-Hughes is recognised for her bravery in January 2011 when she attended a report of a domestic dispute. Her colleague was threatened with a firearm by the offender, which was then discharged three times at her colleague. Demonstrating excellent resilience and commendable courage, Constable Higgins-Hughes remained calm and focussed and called for assistance, maintaining a clear and concise commentary and ensuring that other officers attending the scene could do so in a safer manner, having been fully briefed. Following a struggle between her colleague and the offender, Constable Higgins-Hughes assisted in the restrain and arrest of the offender.

The Dan Cooper Memorial Award

Police Constable Fiona Cuthbert – Based at Trowbridge station.

This award is given in recognition to an operational police officer who, during the course of the year has improved the quality of life of the community by providing an outstanding service to the public.

PC Cuthbert was chosen personally by Dan’s family from a high number of nominations, recognised as an outstanding candidate to receive the Dan Cooper Memorial Award 2013.