A former detective constable who was jailed for stealing almost £400,000 worth of cocaine from police stores has now been ordered to pay back more than £75,000.
From Trusted Officer to Convicted Drug Dealer
Andrew Talbot, 55, was a serving officer with Greater Manchester Police when his criminal activities were exposed. His downfall began in February 2020 after he dropped a bag of cocaine outside his daughter's primary school, triggering a major investigation.
The court heard that Talbot, a cocaine addict, stole just under 4kg of the Class A drug from the force's own property stores. He then conspired with convicted dealer Keith Bretherton to sell the stolen narcotics on the streets of the city he was sworn to protect.
A Substantial Prison Sentence and Financial Reckoning
In October 2024, Talbot was sentenced to 19 years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court. Judge Neil Flewitt KC told him he had deceived his colleagues and betrayed the trust of the community.
A subsequent proceeds of crime hearing on Monday, December 1, 2025, determined that Talbot had benefited from his crimes by £179,372. He was ordered to repay £75,420 within three months or face an additional two years in prison.
Justice Served for a 'Comprehensive Abuse of Position'
Detective Inspector John Andrew stated that the outcome showed in the strongest terms that any officer guilty of corruption would be fully brought to justice. "Talbot is already paying for his crimes by losing his livelihood and his liberty, and now he must financially pay for his crimes," he said.
Helen Hughes of the Crown Prosecution Service added: "The public expects police officers to obey the law. Talbot comprehensively abused his position as a police detective... It is right that he should not benefit as a result."
This case highlights the severe consequences for police corruption, ensuring that crime does not pay, even after a custodial sentence has been imposed.
