TWO police officers who helped put a Barrow murderer behind bars have been commended.

CSIs Claire Benson and James Gibson have been recognised for their work by Cumbria Police in helping bring killer Mark Bartholomew to justice.

The pair received certificates of merit following the complex investigation which began following an attack in December 2017.

A police spokesman said: "The work of Crime Scene Investigators usually goes unseen by the public but their work can often be invaluable and provide the key pieces of evidence which result in a criminal being brought to justice.

"The work of these officers, in a highly-skilled and sensitive role on the operation was exemplary and worthy of recognition."

The Barrow man is likely to spend a minimum of 25 years in prison.

During the trial, prosecutor Nigel Power QC told how Bartholomew savagely stabbed Andy Hackett through the heart with such force that he broke his ribs.

He then dragged Mr Hackett into the back alley and left him to die.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson from Cumbria Police, at the time said: “Mark Bartholomew was nothing more than a criminal drug dealer, who ensured those around him were hooked on the very drugs he sold, and he shamelessly wielded that power to control and intimidate.

“This is a tragic case where Andrew Hackett lost his life in a senseless attack, following a minor disagreement about drugs. He was killed after Bartholomew used considerable force to inflicted a single stab wound.”