Cambridgeshire Police commend officers who investigated murder of 86-year-old Wisbech woman Una Crown

Officers have been commended for their work after a man was convicted of an 86-year-old woman’s murder - 12 years after her death.

Wisbech woman Una Crown was discovered in her bungalow on Magazine Lane back in January 2013 after she was fatally stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest, while her body was set on fire.

A trial took place at the beginning of this year, which resulted in 70-year-old David Newton being found guilty of her murder thanks to new technology revealing his DNA on Una’s fingernail clippings.

DSI Iain Moor, now retired DI Dave Grierson, DS Simon Oldfield, DS Dan Harper, DC Gareth Purdy, DC Nigel Ebdale and assistant investigator Graham McMillan, who all worked on the case, received a judge’s commendation at a Cambridgeshire Police awards ceremony this week for their investigation.

Neil Garnham, the high court judge during the trial, commended the team, and said: “The conviction was the result of what, after a difficult start, was an impressive police investigation.

“It necessitated analysing more than 10,000 items of material for disclosure to the court – the largest ever general disclosure exercise by Cambridgeshire Constabulary.”

Newton was initially interviewed at the time of the murder but denied any involvement. He was later charged in 2023, when the new evidence came to light.

He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years.

Chief Constable Nick Dean hosted the awards event – his last before he retires in September – and praised officers, staff and members of the public for their selfless and valiant efforts.

He said: “This evening is about celebrating the loyalty and dedication you have shown to both the organisation and to the community of Cambridgeshire.

“Whether you’re collecting a long service award or being commended for your actions, going that extra mile is something I, and indeed you, should be enormously proud of.”

He thanked the families and friends of the award winners for supporting them.

“As we present these awards to our officers, staff and members of the public, it is overwhelming to read the stories of outstanding bravery, compassion and kindness towards others in very difficult circumstances,” he added.

“You have stepped up to help someone in need, pursued justice relentlessly and gone above and beyond for the people of Cambridgeshire, and to each and every one of you, I say thank you.

“Congratulations to everyone here this evening, and those who can't be with us, your awards are thoroughly deserved.”