A policeman has been awarded for his work in bringing an evil Northfleet father who trafficked young girls to work as sex slaves to justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Eddie Fox was given a certificate of merit at the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate awards.

DCI Fox’s leadership and management into the investigation of a trafficking ring involving Nigerian children received praise at the ceremony.

Former security guard Osezua Osolase, 42, of Beaumont Drive, Northfleet, was convicted of seven counts in total – five of trafficking young girls, one of rape and one of sexual activity with a child.

He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment as a result of DCI Fox and his team’s work in October last year.

Osolase had used juju magic rituals to terrify young orphan girls into believing they could die if they ever revealed they were being shipped out to Italy and Spain to work as prostitutes.

More than 50 officers and staff from were recognised with commendations and certificates of merit in recognition for their contribution to a number of investigations.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Assistant Chief Constable gary Beautridge said: “The directorate has year on year successes since its inception in 2010, targeting those individuals intent on blighting the lives of our communities through involvement in serious criminality.

“The success of the directorate is entirely due to the work ethic, dedication and commitment of those employed within the directorate, police officers and staff from both counties and the support of our partners.

“It was an honour to properly identify and recognise the fantastic achievements of those involved in the successful conclusion of the most serious criminal investigations, from murders and armed robberies to human trafficking and significant fraud, many of which attracted national attention.”