Operation Pear Tree files show that DS Corbett
has been out of contact with his COM for nearly three months.
In that time, he is believed to have actively participated
in criminal offences,
namely the hijack of Seized Goods Transport ED-905,
the murder of three AFOs,
the attempted murder of a fourth
and possibly even the death of Maneet Bindra.
Corbett relayed intel on a laptop being used
to communicate with the OCG.
KATE: Have you harvested enough information
to impersonate the unknown user?
Yes, given time, we can simulate all the metadata.
CORBETT: Hargreaves crossed us! Who to?
Who do you think'’s the best man for the job?
H is a senior police officer. Tell me I'’m wrong.
The PCC is anxious for a breakthrough.
Not to worry. We'’re gonna get our man.
MOFFATT: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- How much? - 100 grand.
Haven'’t we earned a payday?
John Corbett, I'’m arresting you for the murder of...
CORBETT: I didn'’t mean to kill Hargreaves.
But now I have, I'’ve crossed the line.
Mrs Hastings? I'’m Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott.
A man broke in wearing a balaclava over his face.
He said you'’d know why he did it.
John Corbett'’s the name he was given
when adopted by the Corbett family.
His adoptive mother'’s maiden name was McGillis.
He was born in Belfast.
Does your husband have any connection to Northern Ireland?
John, they was here again, them two from Anti-Corruption.
They asked about Northern Ireland.
They was even asking about family over there.
- Be nice to catch up. - Yeah.
Maybe you could help us by describing any of the police
that raided the print shop?
I take photos.
Christ! How long'’s she been there?
I assaulted your gaffer'’s wife. He'’ll make sure about that.
HASTINGS: Lee Banks? - Who the hell are you?
Superintendent Hastings.
Trust me. You'’ll be glad you did.
[Women screaming]
You'’re a rat, John. A rat.
MIROSLAV: Cover it up with all this stuff. Come on.
I feel terrible.
I never asked you how your exams went.
Yeah, fine.
- Great. - I got a date for my interview.
[Clattering]
Ryan here'’s got a date for his interview.
Yeah?
[Chuckles] Smart boy.
Guess you'’re gonna have to lie low from now on.
Shit.
Gonna miss all this fun.
[Door bleeps]
- Cheers, Tatleen. - Ma'’am.
Sarge.
I'’ve traced details of John Corbett'’s parents.
Corbett'’s birth name was John McGillis.
His father, Anthony Patrick McGillis,
was the victim of a paramilitary murder in 1984,
when John was five years old.
His mother, Anne-Marie McGillis,
continued to live with John in Belfast.
In 1989, Anne-Marie disappeared, believed to have been kidnapped.
Her remains weren'’t found until 2001.
There was a forensic investigation
of the scene and body but the case is unsolved.
Do we know why she was kidnapped?
According to files held at the time
by the Royal Ulster Constabulary,
Anne-Marie was accused of being a police informant.
This is the postmortem report from 2001.
Before she was executed with a single gunshot to the head,
Anne-Marie McGillis had been tortured.
The postmortem detected gunshot wounds
to the wrists, knees and ankles.
- The same injuries as... - Cheers, Tatleen.
We'’ll take it from here. Strictly ten-eight on this.
Ma'’am.
Sarge.
KATE: In 1989, Hastings was a PC in the RUC.
When he passed the sergeants'’ exam,
he chose to transfer over here on promotion.
Nothing in his record refers to him investigating
the disappearance of Anne-Marie McGillis.
And the reference to prolonged sick leave.
The only story the Gaffer ever told me about those days
was about getting seriously injured by a pipe bomb.
Significant that should happen
shortly after Anne-Marie McGillis disappeared.
Yeah.
[Door opens]
- Ted. - Ma'’am.
Superintendent Hastings,
I was very sorry to hear about the assault on your wife.
I hope she'’s making a speedy recovery.
She is, thank you.
I want to be transparent on police corruption.
The public needs to know we'’re investigating
institutionalised complicity
between the police and organised crime.
Alleged complicity.
And the lack of progress puts me in an invidious position.
Better Anti-Corruption doesn'’t exist than is seen to fail.
SINDWHANI: I'’m being strongly advised to suppress the truth.
The truth?
That corrupt officers are winning.
I think not. I mean, it'’s hard enough catching criminals,
- never mind bent coppers. - Andrea.
Ted, you'’ll receive written notification
AC-12'’s authority to investigate Operation Pear Tree
has been rescinded.
You'’re taking us off the case, ma'’am?
I'’ve asked DCS Carmichael to drop in later.
I haven'’t told her the reason yet.
My team just need a little bit more time, ma'’am.
You'’ve had your time.
Thank you, Ted.
Ma'’am.
- This is a complete mess. - Of your own making.
Rohan, no one wants to lie.
But part of our duty is to uphold public trust.
Sometimes that means having
a non-exclusive relationship with the truth.
[Siren blaring in distance]
[Beeping]
We'’ve made repeated attempts to contact the OCG
using text communication to their laptop.
So far, our messages haven'’t been returned.
Maybe they'’ve rumbled the impersonation.
AMANDA: Yes, that'’s possible.
As you know, we'’ve been able to identify Corbett'’s burner phone
on the targeted surveillance of his wife'’s communications.
We'’ve made good progress in harvesting the metadata
from his service provider.
Here'’s a map created from historical metadata
on the phone'’s positions.
The hotspots represent habitual locations we already detected,
such as his apartment and Kingsgate Printing Services.
We'’ve been moving on to analyse lukewarm spots
and some have been reconnoitred.
We identified a nightclub in the Kingsgate area.
[Door opens]
- Sir. - Sir.
I'’ve been thinking about this nightclub.
Well, I do read the reports.
Meet me downstairs. I'’ve got a plan of how we'’ll proceed.
Thanks.
Ma'’am.
KATE: Sir?
With respect, we need to consider
exactly what it is we'’re trying to achieve here.
[Keyboard clacking]
I'’m banking that Corbett is going to attempt
some kind of authentication at this point.
This nightclub seems to be their current hideaway.
If we look at the burner phone activity at this location,
the second Corbett or one of his wee mates
tries to contact the nominals further up the chain,
we have a trail to the top man.
[Bleeping]
Oh, here we go.
They'’re challenging us to name the meeting at the Palisades.
They normally use audio. What'’s going on?
We don'’t even know if this is Corbett at the other end.
It'’s an unknown user with a new IP address.
They can achieve that using a new dongle on their computer.
Right, OK.
[Keyboard clacking]
Referencing the Palisades meeting
is an approved element of our pre-agreed responses.
OK.
[Keyboard clacking]
HASTINGS: OK, so H was a no-show at the meeting.
He may have spotted our surveillance.
But I'’m backing us to be too clever to allow that to happen.
I'’m gonna take a gamble that he was in the dark about it.
Here we go.
Bang. Now we'’re cooking with gas.
What next?
Our preferred option is to request information
on the whereabouts of the stolen goods.
[Keyboard clacking]
STEVE: For Christ'’s sake.
The Gaffer can'’t authorise an undercover op
and be the UCO at the same time.
There'’s no independent decision making.
Is he even trained in undercover?
God knows.
I'’m gonna have to report this.
Kate, wait.
Steve, regs are regs.
We don'’t get to decide which ones we like or don'’t.
The Gaffer knows that.
When my undercover was questioned, he backed me.
I know he'’s going through a lot.
- I'’ll talk to him. - I'’ll come with you.
No, I'’m the DI.
[Knock at door]
Yeah?
- Sir. - Kate.
Sir, I honestly don'’t believe it'’s lawful
for the same senior officer to sanction an undercover operation
without consulting the head of the Covert Unit
or some other independent officer.
I also believe that whoever'’s TFC on this
will not be able to guarantee your safety.
I recommend we commence a covert surveillance operation
on the nightclub with a view to apprehending Corbett,
McQueen and any other OCG nominal detected, sir.
OK.
Sir?
OK.
Start the surveillance.
Sir, is there...something you'’re not telling us?
No.
Thank you, sir.
[Ringing tone]
Welcome to the messaging service for Mark Moffatt,
Kettle Bell Property Partners.
- No one is available... - [Disconnects call]
[Door opens]
- All right, Kyle? - Yes, Steve.
No sign yet of Corbett.
Looking a quiet night so far.
Ideally we want to strike while they'’re all there -
Corbett, McQueen, Minkowicz and the rest.
But Corbett'’s the priority, all right?
- Call me when he'’s sighted. - Off somewhere nice?
Might be.
Cheeky bastard.
- Bring pizza next time. - See ya.
[Mellow music playing]
I'’m glad you called.
I was worried you'’d still be pissed off with me.
Who says I'’m not?
Just cos you'’ve got bum fluff all over your face
doesn'’t mean you have to be an arse.
- Borrow my razor any time. - [Chuckles] Oi!
How'’s it going at work?
Weird...is how it'’s going.
We'’ve got an Acting DCS and she'’s great.
But everyone'’s still talking about Hargreaves.
- Looking back... - "Were there any signs?"
Yeah.
Are AC-12 opening an investigation
into the whole of Serious Crime, seeing if we were all in on it?
We haven'’t got the manpower.
Sorry.
No.
There weren'’t any signs. I wish there were.
I guess there never are till it'’s too late.
Want another?
- It'’s up to you. - I'’m fine.
I'’m not, by the way.
Pissed off with you any more.
Good.
Coming?
Is something wrong?
It'’s fine.
Stop.
Just... Give me a minute.
Steve.
Don'’t worry. It's not a problem.
- Steve... - I won'’t be a minute.
Maybe there'’s just too much going on with work or something.
Or maybe it'’s something to do with your back.
You hurt it really badly.
[Front door opens]
[Door closes]
Shit.
[Music pounding]
Can I help you, sir?
A quiet night. Business on the slide?
Our business is fine.
What'’s yours?
John Clayton about? I'’d like to speak to him.
Wait here, sir.
Clayton, mind. I don'’t want to talk to anybody else.
Lise, a copper... looking for John.
Who?
This one.
- Did he show ID? - Mm-hm.
Superintendent Hastings.
Hastings?
H?
He said he'’d come.
Gaffer went in about half an hour ago.
No sign of him coming out.
- Corbett? - Still unsighted,
but McQueen and Minkowicz entered earlier tonight.
God knows what the Gaffer'’s playing at.
So, this Eastfield job,
that was Clayton'’s bright idea, wasn'’t it? Where is he?
Lisa.
We need to take some precautions.
Yeah, well, I was just, um...
talking to Miroslav here.
Where'’s Clayton?
John'’s lying low.
The situation got too hot for him.
Right.
Well, I need to talk to him cos this is business.
Talk to me.
Well... Well, these Eastfield goods
are gonna be difficult to get out of the country.
We'’re all looking for a payday, right?
Every copper in three counties will be looking for the goods,
so we'’ve got to find a way of throwing them off the scent.
What better way to grease the wheels
than get the head of Anti-Corruption,
who knows every bent cop going?
You need to be more than that.
What about H?
If you want to use that term.
How come you'’re showing your face?
How come you'’re here on your own, no crew backing you up?
Well, there'’s no time. This needs to happen fast.
And this is between us.
We'’re doing things my way.
We'’ll take no chances.
- I'’d really rather you didn't. - Don'’t make this harder.
No disrespect intended.
Armed police!
- Stay where you are! - Get down! Get down!
Don'’t move!
Show me your hands!
- Stay down! - Don'’t move!
Stay down!
- 6-4. Urgent message. - 4-5.
No visual with the Gaffer.
Searching premises. Unarmed stay out till secured.
Received.
McQUEEN: All right?
No.
Keep him in the car for a while.
Let'’s wait and see if he'’s being followed, yeah?
MIROSLAV: Well, what if he is?
Ma'’am.
What happened?
A door into the adjoining building
leads to an exit we didn'’t have under surveillance.
- [She sighs] - I'’m sorry, boss.
It'’s not your fault, mate.
This is why I told the Gaffer not to do this.
Now I know why. The paperwork came through from the DCC'’s.
We got taken off the case this morning.
Shit.
Any leads on where they'’re taking him?
An all-units bulletin'’s been on the air for half an hour,
circulated to neighbouring forces.
No obs reported.
Oh, Christ.
[Rumble of passing train]
[Laughs]
Well...
Clayton wasn'’t lying. This really is...
[Laughs] ..some haul.
Is he here?
I told you. He'’s lying low.
All right, well, I need him on the inside.
I don'’t need him banging around like some loose cannon
- ready to blow the gaff. - Well, what'’s your plan?
Well, notices will have been sent out to the port authorities
and the border agencies, so I think our best option
is to fly this stuff out through some private airport
with slack security.
I mean, there'’s a hell of a lot of cargo here.
It'’ll take a couple of flights.
I think we should start with the drugs,
cos they'’ll be the easiest got rid of.
We can use the Spanish connection.
What airfield?
Well, that'’d be Green Hill Aerodrome.
At the minute we'’re investigating
a number of drugs squad officers
who are under suspicion for smuggling contraband
and Green Hill Aerodrome is their preferred route out.
So that'’s why we have to move fast.
There'’s only a small window of opportunity
before surveillance starts Monday.
So first flight tomorrow night. Two or three more after that.
We get it all wrapped up by the weekend. What do you say?
I just... I don'’t believe that H would show up on his own.
Oh, right. OK.
So now I get why Clayton ended up bossing this unit.
Because he would not have the temerity to piss me off.
Now, you find out where Clayton is, get him in here,
so I can have a proper conversation.
What are you going to do, Lisa?
Lisa...
- It'’s the cops! - [Gunfire and shouting]
Armed police!
- Armed police! - Stay where you are!
Don'’t shoot! Don't shoot!
Hands where I can see '’em!
It'’s all right. We'’re all cooperating, fella.
6-4, scene secured.
Two under control. Unarmed clear to enter.
- You crossed us. - Not me. Not me.
- Shut up! - Unarmed, move forward.
Repeat, all unarmed...
Sarge.
6-4. Ambulance required.
Control. Received. One subject down...
KATE AND STEVE: I'’m arresting you
on suspicion of Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery.
It may harm your defence
if you do not mention, when questioned,
something you later rely on in court.
Anything you do say may be used in evidence.
[Siren wailing]
[Overlapping voices]
- There'’s no keeping this quiet. - Head down.
Alpha Charlie 4-5. Two in custody.
Is he gonna survive?
Shit.
Sir.
I was hoping you two guys would save my bacon.
How did you manage it?
We exploited the contact numbers from Corbett'’s burner.
One was pinged at the nightclub
and a live trace led us out of town.
The phone was found on Miroslav Minkowicz.
Great work.
Thanks for keeping up the pretence in front of McQueen.
She is our best chance of bringing Corbett in.
You'’ll appreciate, sir, we do need to ask you a few questions.
Yeah, well, let me save you the trouble.
DCC Wise, she took us off the case.
Could'’ve been the end of AC-12.
Look, I'’m sorry that I didn'’t bring you in
on what I was planning but it was the only way.
Unfortunately, Corbett has gone to ground.
But my hunch is he'’ll be back sooner rather than later
with his tail between his legs.
But right now, you know what,
I'’ll give you a statement in the morning.
- I just want to get home. - Sir.
You should remain here for your own protection.
I just... I just want to get home.
Stick a couple of AFOs outside the door.
Sir, if the OCG finds out you'’re not in custody,
it poses a serious and credible threat
to an investigation we'’ve all worked so hard for.
We need to maintain the pretence.
Yeah.
Yeah, OK, yeah.
OK.
- Sir. - Sir.
Oh, I thought you'’d be in bed.
I was worried sick.
Didn'’t get a chance to call.
You said your promotion meant better hours...
..you could be a mum as well as a police officer.
Thanks for making me feel like shit.
Nice one.
Alpha Charlie 6-1. Corridor secure.
- Clear to approach. - Received. Here now.
STEVE: Did you participate in,
or are you able to provide any information on,
the following offences?
The hijack of Transport ED-905 on the 15th of February, 2019,
the hijack of ballistics transport BC-556
on the 27th of February, 2019,
and the armed robbery of the Eastfield Depot
on the 5th of March, 2019?
No comment.
The murders of PC Ray Randhawa,
PC Kevin Greysham
and PC Carl Waldhouse
on the 15th of February, 2019,
and the attempted murder of PS Jane Cafferty
- on the same date? - No comment.
The murder of PC Maneet Bindra
on or before the 23rd of February, 2019?
No comment.
The murder of Detective Chief Superintendent Lester Hargreaves
on the 5th of March, 2019?
No comment.
Lisa, we'’ve got a mass of evidence
on the organised crime group you'’re a member of.
From the nightclub office,
forensic investigators recovered a laptop computer
with your fingerprints all over the keyboard.
If convicted,
you'’ll spend the best years of your life in prison.
But there is an alternative.
Our side of the inquiry is the corrupt police officers
who'’ve colluded in these offences.
We need your help with that.
Witness Protection.
Immunity.
Provided you'’re not ineligible
due to committing the most serious offences.
Did you participate in any of the murders
listed by DI Fleming?
No.
We'’ll still need to look into that, of course.
We require information
on the higher echelons of the organised crime group.
You'’re asking a lot.
I need to think about that.
There is one individual we'’re particularly interested in.
Do you recognise the codename H?
Is your boss watching all this?
Superintendent Hastings is in custody,
under investigation for his links with the OCG.
Is he H?
Sorry. No comment.
Lisa, it'’d be great to have something
to prove you'’re assisting the inquiry,
to get the ball rolling with Witness Protection and immunity.
One piece of information we require urgently
is the whereabouts of John Clayton.
I ain'’t seen him for at least a couple of days.
Why not?
Well, we got a tip-off that there was a rat in the unit.
He must'’ve lost his bottle.
Where'’d the tip-off come from?
No names.
You'’ll have to find that out for yourselves.
But...it came from out of Blackthorn.
Maybe someone inside Blackthorn
knew about Corbett from another inmate.
Well, that'’s a long shot.
Corbett was brought in from Merseyside.
[Knock at door]
Ma'’am, sarge.
Governor-authorised police visits to Blackthorn Prison.
Cheers, Tatleen.
[He sighs]
The Gaffer made a visit
on the 12th of March.
To Lee Banks,
the only current OCG member inside.
Christ.
Well, it'’s there, in black and white.
The Gaffer found out Corbett
was responsible for assaulting his wife.
He goes to visit Lee Banks.
Lee Banks passes on the message to the OCG
there'’s an undercover officer in their ranks.
Obviously we don'’t know that'’s exactly how it happened
- but... - Yeah, we don'’t.
[Kate sighs]
Well...
You know what I'’ve got to do.
You'’ve got no choice, mate.
Thanks, Steve.
Well, as for Corbett, let'’s hope he went to ground in time.
[Door clicks shut]
[Turns lock]
[Ringing tone]
The number you have dialled is not available.
Please record your message after the tone.
- [Beep] - John...
if you get this... you'’re in danger.
I think your cover'’s been compromised.
You'’ve gotta come in. You'’ll be treated fairly.
I'’ll do all I can so you can give your side of the story.
Just come in, mate, before it'’s too late.
[Door opens]
- DI Fleming, ma'’am. - DS Arnott, ma'’am.
I'’ve asked DI Randall to take notes.
I'’ve been advised you want to discuss a sensitive matter
relating to AC-12'’s investigation
into Operation Pear Tree.
I don'’t do this lightly, ma'am.
It relates to Superintendent Hastings, ma'’am.
I have a number of concerns
regarding his recent professional conduct.
Specifically there was a potentially unlawful
Fahrenheit order given to DS Arnott...
and the recovery of the stolen goods
involved an unauthorised undercover operation.
God'’s sake.
Ma'’am, we've also detected circumstantial evidence
that Superintendent Hastings may have
deliberately blown John Corbett'’s cover.
My God.
Has Corbett been able to reach a place of safety?
- We don'’t know yet. - We'’re conducting
urgent inquiries, in an effort to locate him.
Given what you'’ve disclosed, I'’ve got no choice but to order
an outside investigation into Superintendent Hastings.
- Yes, ma'’am. We understand. - Where is he now?
We'’re housing him, ma'am, at AC-12.
[Knock at door]
- Very sorry, sir. - Oh...
- Thank you. - Uh...Gill.
- What are you doing in here? - Yeah, well... [Laughs]
This is my gambit to get the OCG nominal talking.
Meanwhile, I'’m cooped up in here going off my trolley.
Good news, I think?
We managed to neutralise the OCG,
get the loot back from the Eastfield job, so...
should be back in the DCC'’s good books.
Sorry, Ted. The opposite.
There'’s been some extremely serious allegations
which need to be thoroughly investigated.
Oh... What... What kind of allegations?
I'’m not at liberty to say.
I know I'’m playing a bit fast and loose at the moment,
but my team'’ll back me up, they always do.
Not always.
No, I... I don'’t believe you. Name them.
The officer, or officers, concerned have the right
for their allegations to be handled in strictest confidence.
Mother of God. My own team?
I'’m here as a concerned colleague
to offer my sincere advice on how to avoid
an embarrassing finish to a distinguished career.
Now, we need to move fast.
Retirement will put you out of reach
of disciplinary procedures.
There such a thing as reputation, you know.
What are these allegations? I'’ll fight 'em, watch.
Who'’s leading the investigation?
An outside unit with an Anti-Corruption SIO
at least one rank senior to you.
Oh, Jesus Christ.
Not Patricia bloody Carmichael.
That one has been fast-tracked from day one.
She hasn'’t put in the same years as the rest of us mere mortals.
She'’ll see my scalp as a step up the ladder, believe you me.
Ted, I can help you.
I used to be a defence solicitor, a bloody good one.
That'’s all right, Gill. I'’ll make my own arrangements.
Well, you'’re your own man, Ted, you always have been,
but don'’t say that I didn't try.
Which is why I wanted to be the one to notify you.
- Notify me? - This is a standard letter
which will accompany the Regulation 15 Notice.
You'’re being suspended from duty.
I'’m really sorry, Ted.
Sir? Sir, you'’re not meant to leave the building
without DI Fleming'’s permission.
Kate and Steve aren'’t here.
Otherwise, they'’d answer to me.
Tell '’em to get their stories straight by the time I get back.
But, sir, I'’m under orders to stop you leaving AC-12.
- Am I under arrest? - Uh...no, sir.
Precisely.
- There'’s not sign of him. - Ma'’am, he's just arrived.
- Ma'’am. - What the hell'’s going on here?
- Superintendent Hastings? - Yeah.
DI Michelle Brandyce, AC-3.
Are you gonna tell me what'’s going on?
Detective Chief Superintendent Carmichael
asked me to keep track of your movements.
I was informed you'’d absconded.
"Absconded"? That'’s rich! I'd just like to get up to my room.
Sir, may I ask what'’s the purpose of your visit here?
A hot bath and a change of clothes.
For Christ'’s sake. Right, Constable, stand aside.
Sir, we need to question you.
Could I please ask you to accompany me
to Decker Avenue Police Station?
Between you and me and the gatepost, DI Brandyce,
my patience is wearing a bit thin.
Constable, stand aside. That'’s an order.
Sir, I'’ve asked you politely to come to Decker Avenue.
And I'’ve politely declined.
In that case, sir, you give me no choice but to arrest you.
- On what grounds? - As I'’m sure you know, sir,
under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984,
Code G, Subsection 2.9 [e],
I have the lawful power to arrest you
to further the prompt and effective
- investigation of an offence. - What offence?
Wanting to get in to get a clean set of clothes?
- I recommend you cooperate. - Yeah? State the offence.
Edward Hastings, you are under arrest
on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence
if you do not mention, when questioned,
something you later rely on in court.
Anything you do say may be used in evidence.
[Switch clicks]
[Camera shutter clicking]
[Gulls squawking]
DS Arnott.
Thanks.
- You all right? - All right.
It'’s usually you Sam calls.
Everything all right with you two?
- Not really. - That'’s a shame.
I thought you were getting back together.
- We'’re not. - Sorry, mate.
- Thanks for the call. - You all right?
All right.
Workmen were processing this scrap
when they accidentally disturbed the body bag.
We'’ve examined CCTV
and an OCG vehicle was seen in the immediate vicinity.
SAM: Open it up.
If this is Corbett...
Yeah.
[Bleep and click]
[Camera shutter clicking]
There'’s a strong smell inside the bag.
[Muffled chatter]
Jesus Christ.
No, it'’s OK, you carry on.
- You OK, mate? - No.
I'’m sorry.
[Camera shutter clicking]
No way he deserved that.
What if he did blow Corbett'’s cover?
Doesn'’t bear thinking about.
DCS Carmichael asked me to pass on a message.
Yeah?
Given the possible conflict of interest,
it protects all parties for you to stay out of the building.
If she needs you, we'’ll call you in.
[Lift chimes]
Come on, mate, there'’s nothing we can do here.
Thank you. As you were.
[DIR tone starts]
[DIR tone continues]
[DIR tone stops]
Anti-Corruption Unit 3 interview of Edward Hastings
in the presence of his solicitor
by Detective Chief Superintendent Carmichael,
Detective Inspector Brandyce and Police Sergeant Tranter,
at uh...1730 on 14th March, 2019.
For the DIR, can you please identify yourself?
Superintendent Hastings.
You remain under caution.
Mr Hastings, what is your current permanent residence?
My rank is Superintendent and you will address me as such.
I'’m very happy to address you as Superintendent,
and in respect of your responses,
"ma'’am" will suffice.
I do not have a permanent residence, ma'’am.
Why is that, Superintendent?
Because my wife and I sold the house.
I am temporarily holed up in a hotel
whilst seeking more permanent accommodation.
And this would be the Edge Park Hotel room?
Yes. Room 336.
Document 4 in your folders.
Document 4 relates to a search of Room 336
at the Edge Park Hotel today on 14th March.
PS Tranter will show you Image 9 on screen
or, if you prefer, you can refer to your folder.
Image 9 shows Item reference MB-1.
Superintendent Hastings, do you recognise Item MB-1?
- I do, ma'’am. - Image 10 on screen, please.
Image 10 shows Item reference MB-2.
Item reference MB-2 is a collection of banknotes
in the value of £50,000.
Do you recognise Item MB-2, Superintendent Hastings?
I do, ma'’am.
Can you account for this substantial sum of cash?
I was in the process of returning this cash
to Retired Detective Chief Inspector Mark Moffatt.
Moffatt forwarded the cash to me using false pretences.
DI Brandyce.
Document 24 in your folders.
Statement given to PS Tranter by Mark Moffatt today,
14th March.
Mr Moffatt claims he only provided further documents
relating to the Kettle Bell project and nothing else.
Well, the man is a bare-faced liar!
I can'’t bear shouting.
You really ought to try and be more calm.
Well, I'’ll be more calm when I'm not listening to a pack of lies.
Did you even check the bank notes for finger prints?
Funnily enough, I have run an investigation before.
Moffatt provided elimination prints.
- None on the bank notes. - He'’d be too smart for that.
- What about the envelope? - Prints were detected
but he doesn'’t deny handling the envelope.
- Right. Great. - Said cash.
Why did you hold on to it?
As I said, I intended to return it.
- "Intended"? - Yeah.
I didn'’t open the package immediately.
When I spotted the cash, I called Moffatt straightaway.
How would you describe receiving 50 grand in a brown envelope
when you'’re the head of an Anti-Corruption unit?
Suspicious.
Mm.
There, you see, we'’re agreeing.
This is much better, isn'’t it?
"Suspicious." Mm.
It was a complicated arrangement.
It was an advance on funds due to me further down the line.
And the fact it was in cash - what did that make you think?
Like I said, it didn'’t sit right.
Possibly someone was trying to hide the payment?
That'’s possible.
- DI Brandyce. - Document 17 in your folders.
We'’ve been given access to the accounts
of Kettle Bell Property Partners.
We are unable to detect the sum of £50,000
credited to Edward Hastings.
Yeah, well, um... [Clears throat]
Moffatt must'’ve been keeping it off the books.
Well, bearing in mind that'’s your version, Superintendent.
Moffatt denies furnishing you with the cash.
Yeah. And I told you, the man'’s a liar.
My client is telling the truth.
He strenuously denies Mr Moffatt'’s account.
Alternatively, hiding financial transactions on that scale,
is that something you would normally do?
Absolutely not.
DI Brandyce.
As part of our inquiry, under police-developed
vetting procedures, we'’ve been able to inspect
Superintendent Hastings'’ financial records.
Documents 30 to... to 38 in your folders.
Now, in 2014, an allegation was made
by an officer under investigation by AC-12,
DI Lindsay Denton, who had fraudulently obtained access
to Superintendent Hastings'’ financial records.
At the time, Superintendent Hastings
answered the allegations in writing
and the inquiry was closed
as Denton'’s evidence had been obtained unlawfully.
Oh, no, no. Because there was no case to answer.
Our examination of your accounts since 2014
shows increasing debts,
each time rectified by the sale of assets.
Is that why you sold the family home, Superintendent?
I don'’t have to answer that question.
You don'’t need to answer any questions,
but that'’s not going to help you, is it?
So far we have £50,000 hidden in your hotel room...
and a history of insolvency.
It'’s in your best interest to account for this, otherwise...
..my imagination might start running away with me.
I mean, there'’s lots of reasons a bloke might get into debt.
Hardly dare mention them.
Gambling.
Drink. Drugs.
Sex.
Look, it was a bad investment.
You trust somebody.
All I was trying to do was to secure...
..a comfortable retirement for myself and my wife.
I'’m sorry to hear that.
But it is your duty to declare these losses.
In your position, as head of an Anti-Corruption unit,
you are uniquely vulnerable
to attempts of bribery and/or blackmail, agreed?
- Yes. - There, we'’re agreeing again.
This is how I like to work.
These proceedings were initially triggered
by allegations of professional misconduct.
- Let'’s examine those. - I'’d be grateful if you would.
Your professional activities on 12th March.
Have you had an opportunity to review your diary for that day?
I have, ma'’am.
- Feel free to refer to it. - Thank you.
Did you make a visit to Blackthorn Prison?
I did.
What was the purpose of that visit?
To gather and harvest information
on the organised crime group
that we were in the process of investigating.
We have a copy of a Governor-authorised
police visit to Blackthorn Prison on 12th March.
Is that your name recorded at 1700 hours?
Yes, ma'’am, it is.
Who is the prisoner you visited?
- That would be Lee Banks. - Did you speak with Banks
- on the 12th? - I did.
What was the content of that conversation?
I questioned Banks on the personnel of the OCG
and other details that might be useful to our inquiry.
Was the conversation recorded?
No, ma'’am.
Was it witnessed?
No, ma'’am.
PS Tranter interviewed Lee Banks.
Lee Banks refused to cooperate in our inquiry
and answered "No comment" to all the questions put to him.
There'’s no corroboration of your statement, is there?
Now, look, Lee Banks is a hardened criminal.
It'’s like getting blood out of a stone.
Well, he talked to you.
- A little. - Why?
- What do you mean? - Banks isn'’t very forthcoming.
What induced him to speak to you?
Well, I am the Superintendent
of the team that got him banged up and put behind bars.
So, if he helps me with my inquiry,
I'’ll put in a word in to the court
so they can take into account his cooperation
when it comes to sentencing.
There really isn'’t anything very clever about that.
But visiting a prisoner, with no witness, no recording,
that is less clever.
For the DIR, the interviewee is not responding.
What specifically did Banks reveal to you
about the OCG that helped your inquiry?
Only that the shots were being called by John Clayton,
aka John Corbett, and one Lisa McQueen.
Let'’s turn to Corbett and McQueen.
Your unit has been attempting -
without much success it has to be said -
to apprehend Corbett.
When was the last confirmed contact with Corbett?
Well, I'’m sorry, ma'am. I'’d have to check.
We'’ve checked.
It was 12th March.
A few hours before you visited Lee Banks
in Blackthorn Prison.
Now, turning to Lisa McQueen.
She was interviewed by your investigators
into Operation Pear Tree, DI Fleming and DS Arnott.
We'’ve been able to listen to the DIR of that interview.
Reading from the transcript.
"McQueen: We got a tip-off there was a rat in the unit.
He must'’ve lost his bottle." "He" being Corbett.
"DI Fleming: Where did the tip-off come from?
McQueen: It came from out of Blackthorn."
Superintendent Hastings,
did you reveal sensitive information to Lee Banks
regarding DS John Corbett'’s undercover operation
- within the OCG? - No, I did not.
What would have been the consequences if you had?
Well, I think Corbett would'’ve considered his position
and...sought refuge in the nearest police station.
Unless the OCG got to him first.
For the DIR, the interviewee is not responding.
I'’d now like to present evidence from a forensic recovery
at er...McDade and Company Breakers Yard.
Images 67 to 72 show us a body bag
being forensically recovered
from McDade and Company Breakers Yard.
The body bag contains body parts relating to a property developer
who'’s been a missing person since 2012.
Miss Jacqueline Laverty.
Do you recognise Miss Laverty?
HASTINGS: Um...yes, I do.
She was the...mistress
of a police officer who was under investigation,
DCI Tony Gates.
Gates stated that he was present
when Miss Laverty was murdered by members of the OCG.
So it'’s highly likely, wouldn'’t you agree,
that this body bag was dumped by the OCG?
Uh...yeah. Yes.
Also present in the body bag were remains
relating to an IC1 male aged approximately 40 years.
A postmortem has revealed that the victim
died of exsanguination following a knife wound to the neck.
Fingerprints and DNA match IDENT1 elimination samples
of a serving police officer.
Detective Sergeant John Corbett.
Superintendent Edward Hastings, I believe we have demonstrated
you had motive to want Corbett dead.
No... - And the opportunity and means
to disclose to Banks that he was an undercover police officer.
No! Never!
The threshold test has been passed
and therefore it is my lawful right to arrest you
on suspicion of Conspiracy to Murder John Corbett.
- No, no, no. - You will be held in custody
while we gather further evidence.
No! What is happening here? I am being framed!
- Interview terminated. - Look, I am not bent!
[Lift bell pings]
[Gate beeps]
- Thank you, Tina. - Ma'’am.
- I assume you'’ve been informed? - Yes, ma'’am.
You did the right thing.
Pointing the finger at your own gaffer takes guts, integrity.
It tells me that I can count on the two of you.
- Count on us for what, ma'’am? - Today was just for starters.
I'’m gonna prove that Hastings is "H".