John Robins – Neil Wilby Media

‘My head’s a shed’

It is now more than twenty four years since a seven year old boy was murdered in a horrific arson attack in Marsh, Huddersfield. Believed to be the longest running unsolved child murder investigation in the country. Joe McCafferty died whilst enjoying a sleepover at his aunt’s home in Haywood Avenue at the start ofContinue reading “‘My head’s a shed’”

Bradford Council resists calls for child grooming inquiry

This is a piece first written for the police whistleblowers website, uPSD, in early 2013. It was, in fact, last updated on 20th March 2013 according to the log. Events have, of course, massively overtaken what was reported back then, writes Neil Wilby. “One of the most highly emotive policing subjects over the past fewContinue reading “Bradford Council resists calls for child grooming inquiry”

Bereaved family re-launch justice campaign for murdered boy

At around 5am on Saturday 3rd May, 1997, petrol was poured through the letterbox of a stone built terraced house in Haywood Avenue, Marsh, Huddersfield. From evidence found at the scene, it took a number of attempts to light the accelerant but, having done so, the flames took hold very quickly and created intense heatContinue reading “Bereaved family re-launch justice campaign for murdered boy”

Much ado about nothing?

A judge has ruled that neither of two barristers lied over a hotly disputed conversation regarding the possible settlement of an employment tribunal claim, immediately ahead of what was intended to be the final hearing in January, 2020. Following a subsequent Preliminary Hearing on 14th December, 2020, held remotely but hosted from Leeds Employment Tribunal,Continue reading “Much ado about nothing?”

Kerry Perkins -v- West Yorkshire Police

Please Note: An Order under Section 4(2) of the Contempt of Court Act has been applied to the reporting of this case. A copy has been posted in the court precinct and in the press office. Details of the restriction cannot be published, but may be obtained from the county court office. The Order hasContinue reading “Kerry Perkins -v- West Yorkshire Police”

Did ‘bad apple’ taint the Thatcham barrel?

In March 2008, an investigation began into two Huddersfield brothers. Concerns about their extravagant lifestyle, following an anonymous tip-off, appeared to be the trigger for the police probe. At the subsequent trial in Bradford Crown Court in March, 2011, it emerged in evidence that Nadeem and Thazeem Khalid had exaggerated their earnings to obtain £968,000Continue reading “Did ‘bad apple’ taint the Thatcham barrel?”

So I arrested him for something, sergeant.

It is said that renowned explorer Ranulph Fiennes has one stipulation about whom accompanies him on his far flung expeditions. He is quoted thus: “I would be happy to take anyone on my expeditions, with one exception ….. people from Yorkshire”! The characteristic Fiennes is, apparently, unable to tolerate is the Yorkshireman’s dourness and refusalContinue reading “So I arrested him for something, sergeant.”

If at first you don’t succeed

At the beginning of October, 2018 an exclusive article on this website foretold the retirement of the chief constable of West Yorkshire Police (read here). Dee Collins did not respond to a private message sent to her, as she had done previously when the topic first surfaced earlier in the year. But the WYP pressContinue reading “If at first you don’t succeed”

When the ‘cover-up’ becomes the story

“Hi, Mabs. Ian Hopkins speaking.” So began the search for a new member of the most troubled command team in British policing. Even before the post was advertised. In footballing parlance, Chief Superintendent Maboob “Mabs” Hussain from the neighbouring West Yorkshire force (WYP) had been “tapped up”. Hopkins, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) chief constable, ultimately,Continue reading “When the ‘cover-up’ becomes the story”

Crash landing as helicopter boss returns to work

Following the exclusive published on this website last month – and subsequently picked up by the national press – more startling revelations have come to light. After a period away from his office, reportedly on sick leave, Chief Superintendent Tyron Joyce returned to work at West Yorkshire Police headquarters in Laburnum Road, Wakefield, on MondayContinue reading “Crash landing as helicopter boss returns to work”