Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson and city politician Derek Hatton, along with 10 others, have been charged with bribery and misconduct related to council contracts, according to Merseyside Police. The charges stem from an investigation known as Operation Aloft, which focused on several property developers. This development comes after Mr. Anderson and Mr. Hatton were first arrested in 2020 as part of inquiries into the awarding of building contracts. Despite the allegations, Mr. Anderson has maintained his innocence, stating that he will continue to fight to prove that he did not engage in any wrongdoing.
Merseyside Police disclosed that a total of 12 individuals have been charged following an investigation linked to the awarding of commercial and business contracts by Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020. Among those facing charges are former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson, ex-Liverpool City Council director Nicholas Kavanagh, and former Assistant Director Andrew Barr. The individuals involved face charges ranging from bribery to conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office. They are all slated to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 28 March.
The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed the evidence provided by Merseyside Police and granted authorization to charge the 12 individuals with various offenses related to bribery and misconduct in a public office. Robin Weyell, deputy chief crown prosecutor, emphasized the importance of refraining from any reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online that might prejudice the ongoing criminal proceedings. The individuals charged will have to navigate the legal process as they address the accusations brought against them
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
