'˜Disgrace to the police': Drug dealing Yorkshire inspector jailed for 26 years

Keith Boots, 55, who was responsible for disposing of seized drugs for West Yorkshire Police, was described as a “disgrace to the uniform” as he was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court.

Boots, who conspired with his son Ashley Boots to steal the drugs from the force, was found with enough drugs to keep “a 1970s rock star, and his band, entertained for weeks”, including a large amount of cocaine in his washing machine.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said he had never come across a case where the evidence was so overwhelming.

He said Keith and Ashley Boots, who was jailed for 24 years, stole the drugs in order to put them back on to the streets of West Yorkshire for their own financial gain.

He said Keith Boots had been a “trusted” inspector.

Judge Marson said: “One of the consequences of a senior police officer turning to crime is it undermines confidence in the police service.”

He added: “It’s a betrayal of those decent, honest officers who work diligently in order to detect crime.”

The judge told Keith Boots: “Sadly, the only conclusion I can draw is your behaviour has been thoroughly dishonest and manipulative.

“You are a disgrace to the uniform you once wore.”