A FORCE Commendation was this week being presented to Gendarme Jean Luc Marie, who at the time of the murder of Cornish schoolgirl Caroline Dickinson was a member of the Brittany Police Force. Jon Luc has travelled to England with his British born wife Gillian courtesy of Brittany Ferries.

Jean Luc was part of the liaison team from the very start of the investigation in 1996 and travelled to Britain in the very early days to speak to young witnesses from both Cornwall and Manchester, not least because of his language skills.

He met with Devon and Cornwall officers whenever they had need to visit France and made himself constantly available to the Senior Investigating Officer often in his own time.

Although moving to a different police jurisdiction and therefore having no further official contact with the case Gendarme Marie continued with his help in contacting and liaising with authorities both sides of the Channel. He even took leave so that he could attend the Trial last year.

Jean Luc not only offered support to police officers from England but also Caroline's family and when Sue, John and Jenny heard of the award they said:

"The family is delighted that Gendarme Jean Luc Marie has received this recognition from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary for his invaluable contribution to the investigation. We are aware that his dedication to the case went far above that of his normal duties and we would like to add our personal thanks and appreciation for his efforts during the investigation and the legal process so far."