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Former GMP detective stole cocaine from police storage to sell on Greater Manchester’s streets
The 54-year-old has been found guilty.
A former detective has been found guilty of stealing cocaine from police storage to sell on Greater Manchester’s streets.
Andrew Talbot has been convicted following an investigation led by Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Anti-Corruption Unit – which commenced back in February 2020 after he was captured on CCTV dropping a small bag of cocaine outside his daughter’s primary school.
GMP’s enquiries uncovered that the 54-year-old stole almost four kilograms of cocaine while he was working in the force’s Serious Crime Division at Nexus House.
Shortly after being notified of the CCTV footage, police then went on to search Talbot, his car, and his home, where they found more cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence to indicate that he had been abusing his privileged access to the force’s property storage for criminal purposes.
GMP says it could “confidently piece together” that Talbot’s offending spanned over two years, after examining his mobile phone, and his use of computer system and operational exhibits.
In November 2023, Talbot pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cocaine, possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, theft of cocaine, conspiracy, two counts of misconduct in public office, and a further charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office, and following these admissions, he was sacked by GMP at an accelerated misconduct hearing earlier this year.
Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (25 September 2024), Talbot was found guilty of supplying a controlled drug of Class A, misconduct in public office, and failing to comply with a notice under section 49 of the Regulation and Investigatory Powers Act 2000, GMP has confirmed.
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“This was a lengthy and detailed investigation demonstrating the diligence of the officers in our Anti-Corruption Unit, and this case sends a strong message about the expectations we have for serving police officers,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Adams, of GMP’s Anti-Corruption Unit, after Talbot was found guilty this week.
“We know the vast majority of officers are dedicated and compassionate professionals, but we have no tolerance for anyone like Talbot who is not fit to serve the people of Greater Manchester.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
The club itself added in a statement: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
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“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Featured Image – Manchester United (via X)
News
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
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Featured image: Unsplash, Brittany Colette
