Officer who "gave family their life back" wins Detective of the Year

Detective Constable Ethan Knight has been awarded Detective of the Year for South Yorkshire Police ‘for his commitment to gaining justice for victims and his considerable emotional and ethical integrity’.

During a Protecting Vulnerable People investigation involving a case of domestic abuse that left an extremely vulnerable woman, and her young children traumatised, DC Knight went above and beyond to help secure a conviction and give the family their life back.

After forming a strong rapport with the victim, DC Knight was able to build a case against the suspect.

When the case went to trial in 2023, DC Knight supported the victim through this process, resulting in a conviction for assault and child abuse offences, and 24 months in prison.

In 2026, the victim of this offence reached out to police to express her praise for DC Knight.

She explained how his actions and service changed her life for the better.

Detective Superintendent Anna Sedgwick said “Protecting vulnerable people and safeguarding victims is at the heart of everything we do. This award is a testament not only to DC Knights professionalism and dedication, but also to the genuine difference he has made to the lives of others.

“It was particularly moving to hear firsthand about the lasting impact his work had on a victim and her children’s life.

"Stories like these remind us why our role is so important and reinforce our commitment to supporting victims, holding offenders to account, and making our communities safer.”