Police praise may earn Achievers Award for brave Kia

Kia Mooney was only seven when eight armed and balaclava-clad men surrounded her home.

When the gun-wielding ringleader - last week given a life sentence by the judge at Brighton Crown Court - grabbed her round the mouth Kia bit him.

Last week Jo Mooney praised her daughter's bravery.

Detective Inspector Ling, who headed the investigation - codenamed Operation Olympia - describes Kia as: "A very brave little girl."

Jo and her daughter were told my ringleader Michael Saldana: "We are professional hit men and we will kill you if necessary."

Detective Inspector Ling told the Observer that June 2006 raid was "..: as serious as it gets."

He said: "Those convicted were part of an organised gang who subjected three innocent people including a young child to a horrific ordeal leaving them traumatised.

"Thankfully this type of crime is very rare in Sussex. The sentences imposed reflect the serious nature of this offence.

"I welcome the sentences, which are significant.

"They are indicative of the through and painstaking work done by the investigation team. Those responsible have been convicted and the people of Sussex protected from this dangerous gang for some time to come."

Detective Inspector Ling said of the police investigation: "It was a long old job...."

He headed a 10-strong team of detectives who had worked methodically to achieve a result.

"One of the most significant lines of inquiry was the mobile phone analysis in relation to the phone calls gang members were making to one another.

"A crucial part of it was site-analysis of the mobile phones.

"Surveillance tactics were used and searching of their home addresses was also important.

"It all provided the primary evidence in linking them to the scene."

He said: "Kia was very brave. She was amazing.

"Obviously, at such a young age she was extremely vulnerable. It must have been an horrendous ordeal for her.

"But she had the presence of mind when Michael Saldana put his hand over her mouth to bite him.

"She was incredibly brave.

"It really is satisfying to see these people behind bars, especially given the ordeal that Kia, Jo and Jason suffered."