Nicky Harley (pictured) tracked down "compelling" photographic evidence in the case of a man who raped an elderly woman 25 years ago.
She has now been given a High Sheriff's Award by the Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, Judge Michael Mettyear, and High Sheriff Adrian Horsley.
Kevin Moloney, 44, went on trial last year charged with raping 69-year-old Beatrice De Kanter in her home in Cottingham in 1985 after 'cold case' detectives matched his DNA with that recovered at the scene.
But he claimed the victim had invited him in and consented to sex and the jury was unable to reach a verdict.
Moloney had actually broken in through the back door but as Mrs De Kanter died in 2001, the prosecution was unable to put forward anyone who could disprove his version of events.
However, Nicky tracked down former detective superintendent Barry Lilley, who led the original investigation, and he revealed he had kept copies of crime-scene photographs which showed a smashed back door and piles of papers and other rubbish on the settee where Moloney claimed he had consensual sex.
This led to Moloney, of Elloughton Road, Brough, pleading guilty to the rape before he was due to go on trial for a second time.
Judge Mettyear said: “Journalist Nicky Harley of the Hull Daily Mail made inquiries, perfectly properly and admirably, so if there was a conviction she would have a full, detailed and proper story afterwards.
“As a result of that, she had sensibly contacted the officer who led the investigation back in 1985.
“I’m quite sure it was her conscientious fulfilling of the task of a journalist in investigating thoroughly and properly a case that led to fresh evidence and led to this man pleading guilty because no evidence was so compelling. He knew he had nowhere else to turn.
“I compliment her in this wholly original way, as far as I know it has never been done before, to award her the High Sheriff’s Award.”
Mail Editor John Meehan said: "Nicky demonstrated great initiative and professionalism to help bring this rapist to justice. We are delighted her role in this case has been recognised at such a high level. It's a tremendous accolade for her and the Mail."
Nicky will be presented with the High Sheriff's Award at a ceremony in March.
She said: "The detectives have done a fantastic job bringing this man and many others to justice after such a long passage of time.
"Every journalist hopes to make a difference and I am pleased that I was able to play a small role in helping see a rapist brought to justice."
High Sheriff awards are presented to people and organisations who have done something exceptional in public life. The award involves the presentation of a formal commendation and only a handful are presented each year.
