Durham Agency Against Crime 

HIGH SHERIFF HONOURS

 YOUNG ACHIEVERS

 

TWO teenagers who tracked and caught a rapist are being officially honoured at a ceremony in Durham Castle tomorrow, Friday, March 23.

 Adam Barker, aged 17, and 16-year-old Johnathan Stoker heard the victim’s screams after she escaped following an hour-long ordeal on an abandoned railway line near Stanley last July. The pair chased the woman’s attacker,  and helped surround him until police arrived to arrest him. He was subsequently jailed for life at Durham Crown Court.

 Durham Constabulary Inspector Ian Proud, said the boys actions were crucial to the police inquiry and saved three weeks of investigations. “Johnathan and Adam deserve recognition for doing the right thing. They were very brave and acted immediately, which was necessary under the circumstances. It is because of their actions that we had him bang to rights very shortly after the incident.”

 

Adam and Johnathan, both from Stanley, are among dozens of young people whose bravery, determination and work in the community is being recognised with Shrievalty Awards. Funded by the High Sheriff of Durham, the Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC), Durham University and Sir James Knott Trust, the accolades go to children nominated by family members, youth workers, the police and other organisations.

 

This year’s recipients include a group of 12 youngsters from Easington Colliery who have formed a Crimebusters Club. The young people, aged eight to 15, have identified graffiti, crime, speeding vehicles, litter from drugs, drink and fires as problems within their area. Working with council street wardens they have carried out litter picks, distributed crime prevention literature to residents and, at Christmas, put together gift parcels which they delivered to 35 elderly residents in the hope of breaking down barriers between young and old. They have recently organised a well-attended weekly disco in one of the local clubs which has resulted in a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and instances of nuisance.

 

Eleven-year-old Caitlin Chester, of Consett, helps to look after her 13-year-old brother Daniel who has severe epilepsy and associated learning difficulties and autism. Often stressful, this involves ensuring he is safe when he has a seizure and giving him reassurance and support. Because of his condition Daniel can be unpredictable and aggressive and Caitlin is often the intermediary when out in public dealing with these episodes with maturity and control. Recently diagnosed with diabetes Caitlin deals with her condition independently, asking little help from her parents.

 

A team of young people with special needs is being honoured for their work on a conservation project. Alex Dark, aged 17, Sally Pouton, 15, and 13-year-old Philip Johnstone planned to spend a week working for the Durham Wildlife Trust. After visiting a site at Rainton Meadows to assess what needed to be done they returned to make 23 bird boxes, 70 lard balls and 50 lard cones.

 

Five young men in their mid-teens have been helping other members of their community through their involvement in the Mid-Durham Projects Club.  Jonathan Hesler, Adam Dobson, Thomas Thornton, Michael Flowers and Richard Price have consistently attended “Lads on Cue” and expressed a genuine interest in helping others in their community. Over four weeks they painted a shelter at Belmont Community Association that had been vandalised with grafitti and organised an entertainment night for 26 elderly local people.

 

Another key figure is 16-year-old Jon Hutchinson, of Teesdale, who, over the last four years, has worked in his own time in peer led educational work, in particular raising awareness among other young people about the issues surrounding hate crime. Many crimes of this sort are committed by young people under the age of 18 and Jon has helped to address some of the problems in the Wear and Tees area by helping to deliver workshops at community events.

 

Mrs Sareth Nainby-Luxmoore, the 282^nd High Sheriff of County Durham, said: “I consider it a privilege to be able to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions these young people have individually and collectively made to make our community a safer place to work and live. These young people represent fantastic role models and I hope they will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. I congratulate them all,”

 “The Shrievalty Awards recognise the efforts of young people who have made a difference somewhere along the line. This year 132 nominations have been received. These youngsters have either made a contribution to their community, overcome personal hardship or disability, or performed an act of courage,” said Sergeant Dave Young, DAAC chief executive.

 

“We often hear only the worst about our young people but these awards paint a different and much more accurate picture,” he added.

 

The award ceremony will take place in The Great Hall at Durham Castle. Sgt Young and Mrs Vivien Stapley, of the Sir James Knott Trust, will read out the nominations before Mrs Nainby-Luxmoore hands over the certificates. Robin Greenwell, chairman of DAAC, will then present the nominees with gift vouchers.

 

The office of High Sheriff is the oldest continuous secular office under the Crown, preceding that of the Chancellorship. The role has evolved over the years and is now an unpaid voluntary appointment for one year. The incumbent undertakes to support all those working to promote law and order, champions the cause of the volunteer and encourages loyalty to the Crown.

 

 For further information about the awards or for further comment contact Sgt Young at the DAAC on 0191 3841425 or 07831 352095.