Policewoman in 'shoe rapist' hunt faces knife charge

Angela Wright was heavily involved in South Yorkshire Police's hunt for James Lloyd, of Thurnscoe, Rotherham, who kept his victims' shoes as trophies and was caught in 2006.

But at a hearing at a court in Stirling yesterday it was revealed the former detective inspector was now a constable after being demoted three ranks in relation to another matter.

Stirling Sheriff Court was told the knife charge could lead to her

being sacked by the force and her solicitor asked for more time to instruct counsel in the case.

Wright, 46, of Northend Drive, Harlington, Doncaster, is accused of having the knife without lawful excuse at the Glebe, Balfron Road, Killearn, near Glasgow, on June 12.

She first appeared in court in July, where she entered pleas of not guilty, and had been expected to go on trial yesterday.

But her solicitor, Ian Moir, told the court: "The position here is that her career is in dire jeopardy if she is convicted in relation to this matter, and she has been told so by her employers.

"Money is tight for this lady but she has indicated she wishes to

instruct senior counsel. Senior counsel is prepared to accept instructions, and the Crown is prepared to listen to what senior

counsel has to say on behalf of this lady.

"This is someone whose entire career will be lost if she is convicted."

Procurator fiscal deputy Sue Ruta said in the circumstances she would not object to Mr Moir's application for a trial delay.

Sheriff William Gilchrist postponed the case to a fresh trial date on January 20 and set a pre-trial review for January 7.

He said: "I only know what I am being told about this, but I have to express some unhappiness that this is being done at this late stage."

South Yorkshire Police would not comment on the case yesterday.