A RESPECTED detective, who played a central role in the prosecution of former Hale Barns teacher Alan Morris, is bidding farewell to the force after three decades of dedicated service.

Altrincham-born and raised, Detective Constable Nicola Graham has helped countless families across Trafford during her 30 years as a police officer.

After working on the beat and in uniform, DC Graham spent a period as a domestic violence officer, youth offending officer, and for the past 13 years has worked in Trafford's Public Protection Investigation Unit.

She has been a detective with the child abuse unit for the past decade.

DC Graham retired yesterday, Wednesday April 13 – exactly 30 years after joining the force – and said she is looking forward to spending more time with her family.

“I’m ready to go – 13 years in the unit takes its toll,” said the mum-of-one. “I will miss the people the most. It’s a bit scary as it has been my life for 30 years but I am really looking forward to retiring.”

DC Graham was deputy officer in the case against sex offender and former St Ambrose Catholic College teacher, Alan Morris.

Morris was jailed after being found guilty of 19 sexual offences against male pupils he was entrusted to care for between the late 1970s and early 1990s.

“The Ambrose investigation was very local to the unit and we got a fantastic result,” said DC Graham.

“Hopefully the victims have got some sort of closure. But every single case to me is a career highlight.”

DC Graham featured in an award-winning Granada documentary, which followed the run-up to the trial and verdict.

Trafford journalist and author David Nolan, who forfeited his right to give evidence at Morris’ trial in order to produce the ITV documentary, praised DC Graham for her compassion and said she will be missed by many.

“Nicola was like a big sister to all the ex-pupils and victims involved in the St Ambrose trial, including me,” he said.

“She was holding my hand when the verdict was being read out. She was there every step of the way for us and still keeps in touch with many of the people she's helped.

“She's the opposite of all the clichés people conjure up when they think of about police officers. She's not stuffy or officious. She doesn't put on an act.

“She's one of the most caring people I've ever met and isn't afraid to show it. She has helped countless, very vulnerable people get justice.

“How many of us can say that? I think she'll miss her job – Altrincham police will certainly miss her.”