Ex-police officer tried to have wife killed
A former Shropshire police officer today admitted trying to arrange his wife's murder.
Barry John Harrison pleaded guilty to a charge of soliciting murder when he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court.
He is said to have arranged for Tony David Kent to murder Carol Harrison between February and April this year.
Kent, 33, pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud by making a false representation that he intended to help Harrison commit the crime in April this year.
A charge of conspiracy to murder Mrs Harrison had been denied by Harrison, of St Michaels Road, Madeley, Telford, Kent, of Chockleys Meadow, Leegomery, Telford, and Sundeep Patel, 48, of Flag Leasowe, Madeley, Telford.
At court today Mr Andrew Smith QC, prosecuting, offered no further evidence against all three. Mr Justice Henry Globe recorded a formal not guilty verdict on Mr Patel, who walked free from court.
Mr Andrew Baker, for Harrison, said it was believed his client was in the early stages of a dementia-type illness which should be investigated.
Sentence was adjourned for social inquiry and medical reports until November 8 and both Harrison and Kent were remanded in custody.
Harrison, who has earned police commendations working as a constable for West Mercia Police, is thought to have lived in the Madeley area with his wife for about 30 years.
Read more in today's Shropshire Star
