Preston trial of cop-killer Dale Cregan explored in new Channel 5 documentary
The huge Preston Crown Court case for police killer Dale Cregan has been explored in a new Channel 5 documentary.
The tragedy, which saw Greater Manchester officers PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone lured into a fatal trap by Creegan, is episode five of A Killer Makes A Call, available to stream now.
PC Fiona Bone studied Audio Visual Media and Film Studies at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston between 1999 and 2002.
Trial
Cregan was transported from Strangeways Prison to Preston Crown Court every day for 18 weeks, as he faced trial for the police officer’s murders in 2012, as well as that of father and son David and Mark Short in gun and grenade attacks.
“He knew what he was doing. He wanted the fun, the notoriety of being transported...and he squeezed every last bit out of that”, said a former officer who took part in the documentary.
Armed response
Armed response officers were also positioned on the roof of the court building and surround properties, pointing their weapons at the entrances, which was labelled “horrendous” by David Brady, former landlord of the Cotton Tree pub in Droylsden, which had been frequented by Cregan.
The cost of policing the trial, to Lancashire Police and GMP, was £5.075m.
Bryn Hughes, Nicola’s dad, and Paul Bone, Fiona’s dad, as well as other friends and family take part in the 68 minute documentary, which is available to stream until November 2029. They say they were forced to listen to “horrific” details of their daughter’s deaths, while Cregan showed no remorse in the dock.
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