Det Sgt Paul Thompson was presented with a Chief Constable’s certificate of merit in recognition of his management of a harrowing, lengthy and complex investigation into an historic, case of long-term sexual abuse spanning 24 years.

Det Con Mark Chaplin was also awarded a certificate of merit for his dedication and professionalism while working on the same investigation.

In addition, DC Ken Proctor, Sgt Paul Bray, PC Olive Wilkinson, and Jenny Kilvington – of the Crown Prosecution Service – were also given commendations at the force headquarters in Newby Wiske.

The investigation began in September 2002 when a woman reported that she had been subject to sexual abuse including being raped as a child over a number of years.

Subsequent inquiries revealed other victims and a total of seven suspects – including three men from the same family – were identified.

In 2003, Philip Nigel Coates was jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of a number of rape charges and of causing prostitution.

His father, Raymond Coates Snr, could not stand trial due to ill health.

His brother, Eric Coates, was found to be living abroad and was extradited following lengthy extradition procedures.

He eventually pleaded guilty to a number of offences including several child rape charges and was jailed for 14 years in 2006.

DS Thompson, who joined North Yorkshire Police in 1979, received his award for his management of the investigation, his expert completion of the prosecution files and the successful undertaking of the complex extradition proceedings.

He said: “The awards are good for the morale of the whole crew. We are just part of the larger team. This award is appreciated in the twilight of my career. It’s nice to be appreciated by your peers.”

Officers, including DC Neil Jefferson from Scarborough, Sgt Roy Brown from Malton and Traffic Sgt Neil Campbell of Malton, were presented with long service and good conduct awards at the ceremony.

The awards are presented at the discretion of the Chief Constable after 22 years’ service or nine years in the case of Special Constables.