Corrupt Leigh detective stole and supplied cocaine

Leigh man Andrew Talbot, 54, was a detective in Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Division when he stole just under 4kg of cocaine from the forces property store at Nexus House.

He also conspired with convicted drug dealer Keith Bretherton, 50, to help him recover a drug debt worth around £20,000.

Head of the CPS Special Crime Division Rosemary Ainslie said: “Andrew Talbot brazenly abused his position as a police officer for many years.

“Not only did he steal drugs from Greater Manchester Police’s own evidence store, he then shamelessly supplied those drugs on the streets of the city he was entrusted to police.

The trial took place at Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)  

“His disgraceful criminal conduct and association with convicted drug dealer Keith Bretherton are in stark contrast to his duties as an officer to protect the public, and risk undermining public confidence in policing.

“I hope this conviction serves as a reminder that no-one is above the law and that all offenders will be held accountable.”

Talbot also used GMP’s confidential computer system to find dealers to help him sell the drugs and to help a friend of his under investigation in connection with assault.

The investigation into Talbot by GMP’s anti-corruption unit began after he dropped a small bag of cocaine outside his daughter’s primary school on February 13, 2020.

He was then searched at work and was found to have more cocaine on him.

Andrew Talbot was found guilty (Image: CPS)

Talbot’s car also contained a piece of paper with references and the property number for two GMP operations into the supply of cocaine.

Another search of his home found drug paraphernalia and a GMP property bag containing traces of cocaine.

After Talbot’s arrest, the investigation focused on the property store and when the cocaine from the two successful operations was weighed, significant amounts were missing from both.

Although he did not provide the PIN for his mobile phone, police were able to find some of the photographs from Talbot’s mobile phone.

These included pictures of the cocaine and exhibit bags on days when he accessed the property store.

During Talbot’s trial at Liverpool Crown Court, prosecutors proved that Talbot supplied the drugs he stole, and that the cocaine was not just for personal use as he claimed.

Keith Bretherton was also found guilty (Image: CPS)

They also proved that Talbot attempted to frustrate the investigation by providing an incorrect passcode for his phone after receiving a formal notice to disclose it.

This week Talbot was found guilty of supplying a controlled drug of Class A and misconduct in public office.

He was also convicted of failing to comply with a notice under section 49 of the Regulation and Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Talbot, of Findlay Street, Leigh, had already pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cocaine, possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate and theft of cocaine.

He also admitted to conspiracy, with Bretherton, to commit misconduct in public office, a further count of misconduct in public office, and unauthorised access to computer material.  

Bretherton, of Bexhill Drive, Leigh pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

He also admitted to conspiracy, with Talbot, to commit misconduct in public office.

Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Adams, of GMP's Anti-Corruption Unit, said: “Our tenacious investigation into Andrew Talbot uncovered the appalling extent of his criminality, which involved him abusing his position of power for his own personal gratification and criminal gains.

“Through our investigation, it became clear Talbot had stolen a significant amount of Class A drugs from evidence and was redistributing these drugs back into the streets of Greater Manchester.

“Talbot took an oath to be a police officer and to serve the public, but instead began to abuse this position and entered a world of criminality.

"This was an egregious breach of public trust.

"It was the reason we've ensured he's been brought to justice for the full scale of his offending.

“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.

“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.”

Talbot was dismissed from GMP in August 2024.

Both men will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 18 October 2024.