Drink drive shame of former top detective

Ex-Detective Chief Supt Bob Taylor now faces the wrath of bosses at Wakefield Council, where he is currently employed, after he was arrested following an anonymous tip-off to police.

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 saying Taylor, 63, was “driving a green Honda and would soon be leaving a public house on Barnsley Road, Wakefield in drink”.

Police stopped him as he left the car park.

The court heard Taylor, of Pinfold Grove, Wakefield, was “a man of previous good character” with just one speeding offence seven years ago.

After pleading guilty to drink driving, Deputy District Judge Hopkinson told him: “It’s very sad to see a man with your character on the floor of the court.”

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.

After the case Wakefield Council’s service director for people and customers, Helen Grantham, said: “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.”

In a 31-year police career, Taylor headed nearly 50 investigations and every killer, rapist and kidnapper he hunted ended up behind bars. Cases he worked on included murderer Michael Sams 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.