Star date: 9th July 2015 

CONTROVERSIAL GMP CHIEF CONSTABLE TO STAND DOWN

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Peter Fahy, is set to quit in October as "It is now time for someone else to bring fresh ideas for what will be more challenging years ahead".

Fahy has cut a controversial figure in Salford following the Anthony Grainger shooting and the subsequent investigations into GMP, and also the policing of the Barton Moss anti-fracking protests. Indeed, last year, the Sherriff of Northwich rode into Salford trying to force Fahy to resign.

Full details here...

This morning, a few days after Greater Manchester Police was criticised by a jury at the Inquest into the taser death of Jordon Begley, GMP Chief Constable, Peter Fahy, announced his retirement stating "It has always been my intention to leave during the Autumn of this year".

"I have led the force through four years of budget cuts and staffing reductions but despite this we have achieved significant improvements in service, increased public confidence and reduced crime and anti-social behaviour" he added "It is now time for someone else to bring fresh ideas for what will be more challenging years ahead."

Peter Fahy has cut a controversial figure in Salford over the few years. The Chief Constable was set to stand trial for `Health and Safety breaches' subsequent to the GMP's fatal shooting of Broughton man Anthony Grainger. Earlier this year, however, that trial collapsed because the jury would not have `full disclosure' of information and Fahy wouldn't have a fair trial. Grainger's family is still calling for a Public Inquiry (see previous Salford Star article – click here).

Fahy also came under fire for the GMP's policing of the anti-fracking protests at Barton Moss last year. After demonstrations outside police stations and even a protest camp outside GMP HQ, most of those arrested during the Barton Moss campaign have had charges against them dropped or the cases have collapsed at trial, with outstanding hearings still ongoing (see previous Salford Star articles – click here and click here and click here).

Last September, the Sheriff of Northwich rode into Salford with a fistful of papers, preparing the official notice for Peter Fahy, to stand down under common law, citing the Magna Carta clause 61 of `lawful rebellion'.
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"Today I'm serving Peter Fahy with a Stand Down Notice over the current criminal investigations against him" explained Sherriff Peter May "There's three instances – the Harold Shipman case disposal of body parts by GMP, the health and safety breach in the killing of Anthony Grainger, and the unlawful killing of Jordan Begley – we want the name of the constable who unlawfully killed him."

The `common law' papers were delivered to Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd, at this Salford office (see previous Salford Star article The Good, The Bad and The Fahy – click here).

Tony Lloyd - now `Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester'as well as being Police Commissioner - ignored the papers but today Peter Fahy has signalled his intention to stand down. Lloyd has issued a glowing tribute to Fahy following the announcement...
 
"During his seven years with GMP, Sir Peter has worked with me to implement fundamental changes to how Greater Manchester is policed, ensuring that we protect those that are most vulnerable whilst ensuring that all of our communities are safe from harm" he said ""Sir Peter has been a great credit to both GMP and Greater Manchester and he leaves us in much better shape than when he arrived. He is held in the highest regard, not just by his colleagues in GMP, but across Greater Manchester and the country..."