Derek Hatton denies charges of bribery and misconduct

DEREK

- By LIAM THORP & ADAM EVERETT

Hatton has denied bribery and misconduct charges.The 77-year-old, of Allerton Road, is among a number of men and women who have been charged in connection with Merseyside Police's Operation Aloft, an investigation into the awarding of commercial and business contracts by Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020.

Hatton, the council's ex-deputy leader, is accused of one count of bribery and one count of counselling or procuring misconduct in a public office. He is due to stand trial in 2027 amongst others including former Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson.

Anderson, 67, of the Beechwalk in Knotty Ash, led the council from 2010 and became the city's first directly elected mayor in 2012, serving in that position until his arrest in 2020. He has been accused of bribery, misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.