JOHN STALKER: APRIL 17, 1939 – FEBRUARY 15, 2019 Ex-police chief and Troubles inquiry head John Stalker dies
FORMER police chief John Stalker, famous for his work on the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Moors murders, died yesterday, his family said.
Stalker, 79, famously led the inquiry that investigated the shooting of suspected members of the Provisional IRA by the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1982.
It became known as the Stalker Inquiry.
While a detective sergeant, Stalker investigated the Moors murderer Ian Brady, who tortured and killed five children in and around Manchester with his partner, Myra Hindley, between 1963 and 1965.
Yesterday his grieving family paid tribute to him after revealing he had died earlier in the day.
Eldest daughter Colette Cartwright said: “After marrying my dear mum Stella in 1961 he spent his life as a devoted police officer, proudly serving the people of Greater Manchester for over 30 years.
“He is fondly remembered by many as going above and beyond the call of duty and was committed to making a difference for those most in need.
“As testament to this, he devoted his life to a career in CID where he worked for 16 years, rising to the rank of detective superintendent.
“Respected by many of his colleagues, he had a varied career and held posts in the Serious Crime Squad and the Bomb Squad.
“He also became the first head of the drugs squad.
Proud
“In 1978, aged 38, he was appointed head of Warwickshire CID, the youngest detective chief superintendent in the country – later becoming deputy chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police in 1984.
“This is something that my dad worked so hard for and we, as a family, will always be immensely proud of his accomplishments.
“During his time as a police officer he travelled around the world studying terrorism and crime in Europe, the USA and South America. On his return he worked for two years in Northern Ireland.”
Mrs Cartwright added: “When he retired in 1987 he carved a new career as a journalist and pursued his passion for writing.
“He subsequently published an autobiography in 1988.
“My mum and dad were great partners and enjoyed nothing more than travelling the world.”
She went on: “I would like to thank all those at Greater Manchester Police who are helping us through this incredibly difficult time.
“We love him and will miss him so much.”
After leaving Greater Manchester Police for the second time Mr Stalker went on to become a television presenter.
He also appeared in television adverts and was the director of a large national security company.
Following an incident where he fended off two Rottweilers attacking his wife Stella in 2006, he publicly supported an overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.