Steve Heywood – Neil Wilby Media

All for nothing?

The perennially ineffective Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has completed the last of three investigations instigated as a result of the Public Inquiry into the death of Anthony Grainger (pictured above alongside his partner Gail Hadfield Grainger). Anthony was fatally shot in Culcheth, Cheshire, by a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) firearms officer during aContinue reading “All for nothing?”

‘Rotten to its core’

These are the words of leading counsel, Leslie Thomas QC, about what is now recognised as the most scandal-ridden police force in the country. They were spoken in May 2017 at the conclusion of a public inquiry into the death of Bolton man, Anthony Grainger. Mr Thomas went on to claim Greater Manchester Police attemptedContinue reading “‘Rotten to its core’”

Bailey can’t bridge the credibility gap

In July 2019, after serving for over 27 years with a backwater county police force, Nicholas Bailey took the short, but well worn path, from Cheshire Constabulary to its metropolitan neighbour, Greater Manchester Police, the fourth largest force in the country. He followed in the footsteps of past chief constable Peter Fahy; the present incumbentContinue reading “Bailey can’t bridge the credibility gap”

Catalogue of policing scandals that shame the two-faced Mayor of Manchester

On 6th August 2018, two retired Manchester police officers, Peter Jackson and Maggie Oliver, and one serving officer, Paul Bailey, met with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and the Deputy Mayor, Beverley Hughes. Also present in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) HQ were Deputy Director of Policing, Clare Monaghan and policy adviser,Continue reading “Catalogue of policing scandals that shame the two-faced Mayor of Manchester”

Barton beats an unexpected retreat

Earlier this week Durham Constabulary announced the retirement of its chief constable, Mike Barton, both on social media and via a press release issued to local, regional and national media. The story attracted little attention, given the controversial figure he has frequently cut.But this announcement took many people by surprise, not least policing colleagues whomContinue reading “Barton beats an unexpected retreat”

Staring into the abyss

As an eight year old lad, I was hit by a car whilst crossing the main road near the tied colliery cottage in Whitwood, Castleford that was my family home at that time (number fifteen, the house with the unkempt gable in the picture). The injuries were not life threatening, but I was detained inContinue reading “Staring into the abyss”

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”