In February 2024, a former prison officer was murdered in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, in what police described as an execution-style killing. Operation Privilege, the investigation into this serious offence, generated hundreds of hours of CCTV footage with multiple vehicles of interest identified.
The investigation team required independent expert analysis to certify their findings and ensure the evidence would withstand rigorous court scrutiny. Dave UK was instructed to provide impartial, forensic-level examination of the CCTV material and vehicle identifications, working to the highest scientific and legal standards.
Testimonial
"I am the PiP3 SIO for Operation Privilege; this is a pre-trial investigation into the execution style murder of a former prison officer in Skelmersdale in Lancashire which occurred on 8th February 2024. A key and significant LOE for the team has been CCTV and vehicles captured on the footage.
The investigation has accumulated hundreds of hours of footage, identified key vehicles, and made identifications from within the investigation of them being used on CCTV. It was clear to me however that we needed to be able to prove and have certified each of our pieces of evidence such that they would stand scrutiny of the court. I had previously utilised Martyn Weightman from GMP on an earlier homicide for this work and discovered he and his colleague Paul had established Dave UK LTD on their retirement from policing. I had no hesitation in making contact and instructing them for the purpose outlined above.
From the off they have been professional, adopted a scientific and structured approach to their role within the investigation. They have avoided having their work tainted by the investigation, naming the make, model of vehicles, and every early briefing was conducted using numbers for each vehicle to ensure no prejudice or bias. I welcomed this level of care, and it was extremely important. The reports and findings they have generated have been exemplary, clear, thoroughly detailed and pragmatic in terms of the probative value of each image or group of images on a red, amber, green scale.
They have taken a meticulous approach and have confirmed in large part the teams findings but even more importantly were able to rule out clips the Crown would otherwise seek to rely on. They were able to confirm those clips were not our subject vehicle. This is so good as it avoids the defence being able to show mistakes in the investigation. Also, we have been fair and CPIA compliant in our work and that of our experts in accordance with the principles of a fair trial.
As for Paul and Martyn they are accommodating, business like, impartial and ooze integrity. I have no hesitation in recommending colleagues within Law enforcement to them and I look forward to my next opportunity to instruct them. I am happy to take contact from colleagues re utilising this tactic and this company if required."
PiP3 SIO - Operation Privilege
Overview:
Seven members of this gang were found guilty of violent disorder and murder and one member of manslaughter of a 16 year old boy John Soyoye. This was a complex investigation of joint responsibility, bad character and ‘gang related’ evidence.
Background:
John Soyoye was involved in a fight with a member from a rival gang which was the precursor to his murder.
Investigation:
The CCTV evidence was crucial in proving the movements of each of the offending group consisting of 13 males, pre and post murder (tracking to and from home addresses), who were armed with knives, machetes, and rods or poles, some of the gang needed to use a taxi post murder to convey them to hospital as one of the group was injured, leaving blood stained clothing. Not only CCTV but mobile phone recordings proved invaluable to understand the movements of not only John but the offending group including their actions.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic analysis, to establish all eight gang members were guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Outcome:
Seven defendants were convicted of murder, one defendant of manslaughter, all of violent disorder, to a total of 146 years in prison. Five gang members fled the country post murder and are still awaiting trial.
Overview:
Stephen Seddon was convicted of the murder of both his parents in a scheme to secure their life insurance money.
Background:
Seddon meticulously planned and executed the murders of his parents, staging the incidents to appear as accidents or suicides.
Investigation:
Investigators uncovered evidence of Seddon's financial motives, including suspicious transactions and changes to his parents' insurance policies. The CCTV evidence enabled the tracking of Seddon and the vehicle used to travel from the North East to Manchester to disprove his alibi. His phone and personnel vehicle was left at home purporting Seddon to be at home at the time of the murders, the CCTV evidence proved this to be completely incorrect. To highlight the extent of the CCTV trawl each Motorway Services (M62/A1(M) were visited to determine if Seddon used these locations to further evidence the clothing worn by him and usage of the vehicle used.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented a compelling case, highlighting Seddon's financial troubles and motive for committing the murders.
Outcome:
Stephen Seddon was found guilty of double murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, serving justice for his heinous crimes against his own family.
Overview:
Dale Cregan was convicted of four murders, including the tragic execution of Greater Manchester Police Officers Nicola and Fiona.
Background:
Cregan orchestrated a series of violent attacks, targeting individuals involved in a longstanding feud. His actions culminated in the cold-blooded murder of two police officers.
Investigation:
The investigation into Cregan's crimes involved extensive forensic analysis, witness testimonies, CCTV recognition evidence, including the movements of the suspect vehicles and its occupants pre and post murders, this identified (along with witness testimony) a dump site of the suspect clothing used in the commission of the offences and the collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence linking Cregan to the murders, including CCTV footage, DNA evidence, and witness statements.
Outcome:
Following a high-profile trial, Dale Cregan was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Overview:
Mark Fellows, also known as 'Ice man', was described as the ‘hitman’ and convicted of two murders, including those of Paul Massey and John Kinsella.
Background:
Fellowes was involved in organised crime and targeted individuals perceived as threats to his criminal activities.
Investigation:
Law enforcement agencies conducted a thorough investigation into the murders, gathering evidence linking Mark Fellows to the crimes. CCTV recovered across both Murders provided crucial evidence, not only to evidence the reconnaissance completed by Fellows in the planning and preparation of the murder of Paul Massey, in addition to prove Fellows changed his own clothing and the pedal bikes appearance (using coloured tape to mask the original colour of the bike frame), post murder of John Kinsella, this recognition evidence was vital in the prosecution case.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic analysis, to establish Fellowes' guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Outcome:
Mark 'Ice man' Fellowes was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life imprisonment, marking the end of his reign of terror and bringing closure to the victims' families.
