Inspector used work phone to arrange to book sex workers

A POLICE inspector who had to leave GMP in disgrace after he used his force-issue phone to arrange hundreds of meetings with sex workers had been in trouble with his bosses before for allegedly bullying a female colleague.

- BY JOHN SCHEERHOUT

Toby Knight, who has resigned in disgrace over his contacts with sex workers, was given a chance to rebuild his career after a previous misdemeanour landed him in front of an internal disciplinary hearing in 2007.

Then, he was allowed to keep his job but was demoted from sergeant to constable after he was accused of bullying a female colleague.

In October 2006, he was alleged to have handcuffed a female colleague to a staircase at Claytonbrook police station in Openshaw following an incident between them.

The incident prompted an internal GMP investigation where the officer was accused of misconduct and bullying, as we reported at the time.

The two officers were both working in the Tactical Aid Unit, which deals with disorder including riots.

Following the female officer's handcuffing, she was left attached to the staircase until another officer arrived and freed her.

The 'highly regarded' alleged victim complained and the force initiated an internal investigation.

She was said to have suffered reddening to her wrists.

The force confirmed his demotion in July 2007 following his disciplinary hearing.

A senior colleague told the Express at the time: “Toby knows what he did was wrong and he feels he let the force and himself down.

“He has accepted his punishment and moved to a different area where he is viewed as one of the most committed officers, and he has been nominated for two commendations.”