A DETECTIVE who refused to let a case be dropped so the victim’s family could receive justice has been awarded.

DC Steve Hopkins, from Warrington CID, has been presented with a police authority commendation, the most prestigious award given to police except for those from the Queen.

He bought law books out of his own pocket and sought help from a professor at Cambridge University after being told by the Crown Prosecution Service that a case should not proceed.

His appeal was accepted and Adele Carney, aged 22, admitted a charge of robbery and was jailed for four years last February.

Carney and a man, who has not been charged, targeted widower Edwin Stout (pictured left), an 85-year-old prostate and lung cancer sufferer, at his home on Windermere Avenue, Orford, in November 2007, by masquerading to be Golden Gates Housing employees.

The man pushed him to the ground and the pair fled with £600 cash. Great-granddad Mr Stout, who was terminally ill, died in April 2008, five months after the incident.

Carney’s fingerprint matched one found at the scene when she was arrested over a domestic incident later that year.

Margaret Ollerenshaw, chairman of the authority, said DC Hopkins was recognised for his’ intelligence, resilience and determination’ to secure justice for Mr Stout’s family.

Julie Drabble, Mr Stout’s granddaughter, said: “I knew DC Hopkins had done a lot to get a conviction but I didn’t know he had gone to the extent of buying law books.

“He may think it was part of the job but he went above and beyond his duties. It is a really nice feeling to know somebody who never knew my granddad has gone that far to get justice.

“Adele Carney has served her punishment. She has done what she had to do and I hope she can get on with the rest of her life.”

She also praised DC Ange Gardiner, who also worked on the case. She said DC Gardiner helped her listen to upsetting 999 calls made by her grandad after the robbery.

The award came as Mr Stout would have celebrated his 89th birthday on April 12.

DC Hopkins said: “It was nice to be recognised. Adele Carney did the decent thing and admitted her role in this offence. I don’t believe the robbery was her idea.

“Her male accomplice is a coward who has attacked an old person and then hidden behind her and let her do his jail time. I want him to know this isn’t over.

“He would have discussed this with people in the community and I would urge them to come forward and do the right thing. They hold the final piece of the jigsaw."

The accolade was presented at a ceremony last month.

Anyone with information about the case can call 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.