Elite police accused of dealing in drugs

Three police officers who served on the elite National Crime Squad were caught on a hidden camera using and dealing in cocaine and cannabis, a court was told yesterday. Two of the officers were in the squad when they were arrested in April last year. The third had been a member for five years.

Three police officers who served on the elite National Crime Squad were caught on a hidden camera using and dealing in cocaine and cannabis, a court was told yesterday. Two of the officers were in the squad when they were arrested in April last year. The third had been a member for five years.

Four other people were also accused at Leicester Crown Court. They included the mistress of one officer. Michael Pert QC, for the prosecution, said they were caught at the home of Nicola Bladen, 35, in Derby. She faces 11 charges involving drugs.

Detective Sergeant David Redfern, 42, of Duffield, Derbyshire, is charged with three counts of supplying cocaine, two of possession, one charge of supplying cannabis and one of trying to pervert justice. He is suspended from duty.

Detective Constable Heather Bossart, 40, faces two counts of having cocaine. Detective Sergeant Mark Jennison, 41, is charged with one count of supplying cocaine and two charges of possession. Both are suspended and gave their addresses as care of St Mary's Wharf police station, Derby.

At the time of the arrests, DC Bossart and DS Jennison were serving members of the National Crime Squad.

The trial continues.