Court told Northumbria Police detective sergeant dealt in cocaine (From The Northern Echo)

Court told Northumbria Police detective sergeant dealt in cocaine

11:57am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Middlesbrough News

A SENIOR detective bought and sold cocaine and ensured his criminal associates stayed ahead of the law by accessing confidential police records, a court heard.

It is alleged that Detective Sergeant Paul Thompson bulk-bought cocaine from his half-brother, then he and his wife, Susan Thompson, 44, a housing executive, would supply to their friends.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the 43-year-old officer, who was based at Gill Bridge Police Station in Sunderland, acted as the eyes and ears for his brother, Brian Thompson, 51, and his drug-dealing associates Stephen Wood, 48, and David Wood, 52, who are brothers.

From left, Brian Thompson, Stephen Wood and David Wood

The court heard the detective, who was employed by Northumbria Police, and his wife were “recreational users” of controlled drugs.

Mrs Thompson is the group director of operations for Fabrick, the parent company of Erimus Housing, based in Middlesbrough.

Prosecutors said the Wood brothers supplied drugs to Brian Thompson, who would deal them on to his brother.

Evidence was gathered by undercover detectives who kept the four under surveillance.

The court was told that Mr Thompson used the police computer to repeatedly check on his brother and the Woods.

The court heard that Mrs Thompson’s phone revealed the extent of the supply to the couple’s friends.

Brian Thompson, of Thorneyford Place, Ponteland, Newcastle, Stephen Wood, of Thornhill Road, Ponteland, and David Wood, of Silver Lonnen, Fenham, Newcastle, admitted conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, but deny conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

Paul Thompson and Susan Thompson, both of Dipton, County Durham, both deny conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Paul Thompson denies separate charges of misconduct in public office and cocaine possession charges. The charges date from January 2001 to February 2011.

Paul Thompson told police in interview he had developed a cocaine addiction, particularly after the death of his mother in early 2009 and had unresolved bereavement issues from the death of his father in 1997.

The court heard that when the Thompsons were arrested, police found scales, resealable bags, credit cards and a knife in their bedroom, all containing traces of cocaine.

The trial continues.