Ex-West Yorkshire ‘super cop’ caught drink driving

Ex-Detective Chief Supt Bob Taylor is now facing the wrath of bosses at Wakefield Council, where he now works, after he was arrested following an anonymous tip-off to police that he would be leaving a pub in his car. Wakefield Magistrates’ Court heard he was nearly double the alcohol limit when stopped by his former colleagues on February 3. Prosecutor Marie Austin-Walsh said police got a call at 8pm on February 3 saying Taylor, 63, was “driving a green Honda and would soon be leaving a public house on Barnsley Road, Wakefield in drink”. Police saw him driving from the pub’s car park. They stopped and detained him. The court heard Taylor, of Pinfold Grove, Wakefield, was “a man of previous good character” who had been driving for 46 years, with just one speeding offence seven years ago. In a 31-year career with the police he headed nearly 50 investigations and every killer, rapist and kidnapper he hunted ended up behind bars. Among the criminals he helped put behind bars was Michael Sams, murderer of Julie Dart and kidnapper of Stephanie Slater, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and serial rapist Clive Barwell. He became head of operations in the elite National Crime Squad – England’s answer to the FBI - and was often seen on BBC’s Crimewatch. Taylor pleaded guilty to drink driving. John Wilkinson, mitigating, said: “The circumstances speak for themselves. He was driving home after consuming too much alcohol.” Mr Wilkinson said his client would like to go on the drink -drivers’ rehabilitation course, which can cut bans by a quarter. Deputy District Judge Hopkinson told Taylor: “It’s very sad to see a man with your character on the floor of the court. “Your driving record is a good one, it’s not a particularly high reading.” Taylor, who is currently the council’s service manager for enforcement, was banned from driving for 18 months, fined £580 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £58 victim surcharge. He was offered the drink-drive ban scheme. After the case Wakefield Council’s service director for people and customers, Helen Grantham, said:“We are aware of Mr Taylor’s conviction, following his appearance in court on February 18. Drink-driving is a very serious offence, and something we do not take lightly. We will be discussing this matter with Mr Taylor in accordance with the council’s internal procedures at the earliest opportunity.”