Merseyside Police has charged 12 people with offences of bribery and misconduct as part of its Operation Aloft investigation.
It focused on the awarding of commercial and business contracts from Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020.
Among those charged today are Joe Anderson, the former Liverpool mayor and city politician, Derek Hatton.
“The CPS has reviewed a full file of evidence from the Merseyside Police and has authorised the investigation team to charge 12 people with 12 offences related to bribery and misconduct in public office,” said Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
The first hearing in the case will be at the end of the month at Preston Magistrates Court.
Ten people have been charged with bribery offences committed between 2013 and 2020 The offences concern “advantages given for the improper awarding of council contracts and other services.”
Those charged are:
Joseph Anderson (DOB: 24/01/1958), Beechwalk, Liverpool
Nicholas Kavanagh (DOB: 18/02/1969), Rockery Drive, Liverpool
Phillipa Cook (DOB: 17/05/1975), Rockery Drive, Liverpool
James Shalikker (DOB: 16/05/1986), School Lane, Downholland, Lancashire
Adam McLean (DOB: 17/02/1971), Acrefield Road, Liverpool
Andrew Barr (DOB: 24/02/1974), Kendal Way, Ainsdale, Sefton
Paul Flanagan (DOB: 12 09 1953), Ormskirk Road, Knowsley Village
Julian Flanagan (DOB: 26/04/1971), Poplar Avenue, Crosby, Liverpool
Alex Croft (DOB: 17/03/1995), Bold Lane, Aughton, Lancashire
Derek Hatton (DOB: 17/01/1948), Livingston Drive South, Liverpool
Five people have been charged with misconduct in public office offences “through arranging and granting privileged and special access or seeking confidential information from Liverpool City council in commercial and business matters or abuse of position of power.” These are alleged to have been committed between 2010 and 2020. They are:
Joseph Anderson (DOB: 24/01/1958), Beechwalk, Liverpool
Andrew Barr (DOB: 24/02/1974), Kendal Way, Ainsdale, Sefton
Sonija Hatton (DOB: 03/06/1975), Livingston Drive South, Liverpool
Derek Hatton (DOB: 17/ 01/1948), Livingston Drive South, Liverpool
David Anderson (DOB: 04/09/1987), Barnfield Drive, Liverpool
Please after my arrest this morning fall into the trap of saying “ no smoke without fire” I am innocent of charges and will fight to clear my name. Thank you for all the messages of support and best wishes. Will make a further statement later.
— Joe Anderson (@joeando58) March 7, 2025
