By Staff Reporter

Last updated 05:38, Friday, 17 October 2008

THE police squad that trapped a sex beast who carried out a series of sadistic attacks on a jogger is to be commended by Cumbria’s top officer.

Barry Hunter: Carried out brutal attack on woman near Carlisle

Nearly 20 officers who helped catch Barry Hunter after he targeted a woman near Carlisle have been singled out for honours by Chief Constable Craig Mackey.

Hunter, 33, whose crimes were described by a judge as being “unique in their barbarity”, was jailed in May following one of the biggest police investigations in Carlisle for years.

It was launched after he attacked his victim, putting her through a horrific ordeal that went on for up to an hour on the Carlisle to Dalston cycle path on July 29 last year.

Hunter, of Newlaithes Avenue, Morton, Carlisle, was told when he was sentenced that he will stay behind bars until he is no longer considered a danger to anyone.

Officers said at the time that he was “a very dangerous man” who “may never get out”.

Mr Mackey, in a report to the force’s governing body, Cumbria Police Authority, names the officers to be awarded for their work.

He said: “They are commended for a major investigation to identify and prosecute a violent sex offender.”

Hunter, also described as “a profoundly disturbed individual”, was high on drink and drugs when he carried out his crimes.

The stonemason was convicted of four counts of sexual assault involving penetration and one of assaulting his victim and causing her actual bodily harm.

He was jailed by Judge Paul Batty QC at Carlisle Crown Court, receiving an indeterminate prison sentence to protect the public.

During the attacks, Hunter thumped his victim repeatedly in the face, pushed her to the ground and dragged her to a grassed area.

It was then he began to subject her to a series of sexual assaults.

The officers to receive commendations include: Detective Superintendent Cath Thundercloud, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Duhig, Detective Sergeant Peter Proud, Detective Constables Stuart Robson, Sue Allison, Peter Boon, Nigel Burns, Tracey Laurie, Sharon McDermott, Mark Pollock, Christy Robertson, Amanda Robinson, Tracy Taylor and Andy Teasdale, as well as constables Carole Cotter, Malcolm MacLennan, Bill Richardson, Ellie Rushton and community support officer Helen McDermott.

Also commended are a number of civilians who helped with the investigation.