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crime1d ago
Council CCTV operator 'coerced' to give footage to crook, court told
- CCTV operator Marian Knight admitted misconduct after being coerced by a drug dealer in 2023.
- Simmons allegedly threatened Knight to obtain footage to hide his drug operation.
- Court heard Knight had access to the council's CCTV system since 2005.
- Police found large quantities of drugs associated with the operation.
- Darren Simmons received a six years and eight months sentence.
- Knight received a four-month prison term suspended for 18 months.
- The case involved use of footage to blow Simmons’ drug operation’s cover.
- The incident linked to seizures of counterfeit tobacco and prescription drugs.
- The court heard how the break-in at Simmons’ store sparked the evidence.
- A court hearing took place at Chelmsford Crown Court.
- The case underscores risks of misuse of surveillance for crime concealment.
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