A detective faces scrutiny for texting a witness in a drug lord case. Sensitive info and extradition updates were shared.
Fitzpatrick worked on Operation Spoonbill, a case involving a major drug dealer known as “JM” with global connections. He stayed in contact with a witness for two years, and she provided evidence against JM.
The detective sent messages to the witness between 2018 and 2020. The messages’ content wasn’t always about police work, which is the primary concern of the misconduct panel.
Fitzpatrick’s hearing revealed investigation details and surveillance work he conducted. Reportedly “overworked,” he was questioned for six hours regarding the allegations.
The witness, A, provided assistance against JM. In 2012, police raided her home under suspicion of storing drugs, and she ultimately served 20 months for drug possession as a reward for aiding in JM’s case.
JM once gave the witness money after finding her upset about bailiffs, but later reminded her about the debt, establishing control over her, according to her testimony.
The witness received an offer of money to skip court which Fitzpatrick confirmed.. Despite this, she testified, leading to convictions.
Fitzpatrick described the witness as “terrified” and “very vulnerable,” noting she was a witness in a separate justice obstruction trial. He now faces criticism for specific messages he sent.
The messages originated after the witness reported a person linked to JM. Fitzpatrick wanted her address kept secret and provided his number as a contact.
Fitzpatrick defended the messages, explaining they helped the witness and used “language she understood.” He stated calling officers “Miss Marple” and “clueless” was a joke without malicious intent.
His intention was to reassure her about JM’s associates, suggesting he could have clarified they were police. He now acknowledges his comments were disrespectful.
Fitzpatrick texted about JM’s extradition, mentioning the National Crime Agency (NCA). He even sent a photo of JM at the airport, which prompted a comment about his weight from the witness.
Fitzpatrick admitted sending the picture was wrong. He also informed her when JM was returning, purportedly to help her prepare for court.
He further told her JM wanted to be a witness, when he could have simply said JM would return. The NCA information was highly confidential and should have remained secret.
He claimed he shared the information to reassure her, describing JM as “manipulative.” He also named a “coke dealer,” clarifying this information was already available online.
A lawyer argued that sharing publicly available information might still be problematic. Fitzpatrick contended it was “OK” if it was online. They also discussed a Moldova drug smuggler case, which had been reported in the news.
Fitzpatrick was aware of the connection to JM and wanted to reassure the witness, demonstrating they were targeting JM. A lawyer believes these actions constituted misconduct, a claim Fitzpatrick disputes.
Fitzpatrick received praise in a 2022 case for helping unravel a conspiracy with international dimensions. He possessed extensive knowledge of JM and dedicated significant effort to apprehending him.
Fitzpatrick faces accusations, including sending inappropriate messages and allegedly violating surveillance rules. Additional accusations include storing data and steroid use, all of which he denies.
Operation Spoonbill was a significant investigation that dismantled a major cocaine ring. It resulted in numerous criminals being sentenced to over 260 years in prison.
The operation uncovered helicopter drug drops and implicated underworld figures, as well as exposing vast sums of money. The primary focus was on Jonathon Moorby and Lance Kennedy.
Moorby was extradited from Thailand and sentenced to 14 years in jail, while Kennedy received over 18 years. Several other gang members also received prison sentences.