POLICE who helped jailed six men for stabbing another man to death during the robbery of a cannabis farm have been commended for their outstanding work.

Detectives Greg Wood and Aimee Burton and criminal intelligence analyst Richard Donaghy were presented with awards by Essex Police chief Ben-Julian Harrington earlier this week.

The trio were pivotal in securing securing jail sentences totalling 116 years following the murder of Asgeri Spaho, 25.

Asgeri died after being stabbed during an aggravated burglary at a property in Tintern Avenue, Westcliff, in December of 2019.

The group of men had broken in to steal cannabis growing inside.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington saod: “For 18 months, the Major Crime team worked methodically to untangle a hugely complex case, involving links to organised crime.

This case demonstrates the sheer determination that all my officers and staff show every day to tackle serious violent and drug-related crimes and ensure those involved are brought to justice.”

It was Mr Wood’s first homicide as a senior investigating officer. His leadership ensured that a compelling case was presented at court by officer in the case DC Aimee Burton, who was herself praised by Judge Samantha Leigh.

“It was clear to see the amount of work the officer in the case had undertaken and that level of commitment carried on during the trial,” Judge Leigh said.

“In light of this, DC Burton should be commended for her work on this case and, I say this gladly, it was a pleasure to have such a well-investigated case before me.”

DC Burton said: “I feel proud to have been recognised alongside my colleagues for a commendation.

“For me, justice for the family is paramount and I hope that the sentences and successful trial has given them some peace and closure. I am really pleased that the sentences reflected the severity of the harm those six men caused.”

Criminal intelligence analyst Richard Donaghy was also commended his part in the investigation.

“Mr Spaho and his family were certainly in my thoughts when I was presented with my certificate. I am pleased that the perpetrators are no longer a threat to the public and I hope that is some comfort to Mr Spaho’s family,” he said.