08/05/04 - Drugs inquiry soccer chairman cleared
Basildon Echo

Former Detective
John Moran

A police worker and former detective today told of his seven months of hell after being cleared following a high-profile drugs probe.

John Moran, 54, also chairman of Basildon United Football Club, said: "I've worked for the police for 30 years. It was my whole way of life, it was destroyed and turned upside down."

Mr Moran was suspended as a civilian officer at Rayleigh police's major investigation team after 100 officers swooped on various south Essex locations in October, including the football club.

The father of six was arrested and questioned about allegations of drug deals, theft, corruption and perverting the course of justice, but has now been told by Essex Police no further legal action will be taken against him.

However, he still faces a police internal disciplinary inquiry and remains suspended from his job until that inquiry is completed.He was a detective sergeant in the major investigation team for about six years before retiring in July, and returned as a civilian investigator in September.