A POLICEWOMAN whose quick actions helped a domestic violence victim was one of many officers who were recognised at the Gwent Police Awards ceremony.

Officers and members of the public were honoured at the ceremony on Monday night at the Celtic Manor Resort including a team of officers who were involved in the closure of the NP19 garage in Cromwell Road, Newport, which was connected with the supply of class A drugs and anti-social behaviour.

They got the teamwork award.

Newport East Inspector Sarah Davies, who was involved in the operation, said: “There was an organised crime group working from the garage.

“They were using the business as a front for their illegal business.

“They were intimidating neighbours

“Operation Ironside had a great impact in the community, it has made a big difference.

“We had had some positive feedback from councillors, saying they couldn’t believe the difference it has made.”

Detective Inspector Justin O’Keefe, who was also in the team, said: “They were providing negative role models for youths in the area. It wasn’t right, it had to be stopped.”

During the operation, more than £1m worth of items was recovered, including vehicles and jewellery.

Officers who received a Chief Constable Commendation included PC Natasha Counsell for her quick actions and use of her body worn camera when dealing with a “harrowing” scene of domestic violence.

PC Counsell attended to a property in December 2016 after a woman rang the police asking for help.

Ms Counsell said: “When I knocked on the door, the suspect opened the door. He denied there was a female at the address – but I had a look around.

“I was confident she was there and I found her hiding underneath duvet. He had assaulted her for a period of time.”

The officer, who has worked in Gwent Police for 16 years and has been put forward for the Police Federation’s Police Bravery Awards, said that receiving the award was “exciting”.

PC David Nancarrow and PC Nicholas Hadjipetrou were also commended for their courage and perseverance in dealing with an incident of disorder at the Celtic Manor last November.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: “Both officers were injured during the alcohol fuelled attack by a man and a woman - but they remained calm and successfully arrested the pair.

“The man pleaded guilty to two charges of affray and one of criminal damage and the woman pleaded guilty to affray, a public order offence, assaulting a police officer and possession of cannabis.

“They were both sentenced to four months and the judge described the couple’s behaviour as ‘truly appalling’.”

PC Nancarrow said: “I have had a few awards before, but it is still nice to get recognition – it is the first one for Nick.”

It was PC Hadjipetrou’s second shift when he attended to the hotel.

“I love the job, I like helping the public. It is very rewarding,” he said.

Members of the public who were recognised for their work, included Danielle Thomas who won the Gwent Good Citizen Award.

The 24-year-old was working at a store in Caerphilly in September when she saw a man who had received multiple stab wounds.

She rang the police, telling them where the suspect was and what he was doing.

Evan Smith, 43, was later jailed for life for the attack. A number of Long Service Awards were also issued.