Mayor’s ex-spin doctor in drugs fine

A FORMER spin doctor to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has been fined for possession of heroin and cocaine.

Paul Gilfeather was sacked after failing to declare he was facing drugs charges, the M.E.N. previously revealed.

He has now been sentenced at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Gilfeather, whose address was given as Stanley Street, Aberdeen, attended Mr Burnham’s Christmas party on December 6.

A week later, the 46-year-old admitted possession of heroin and cocaine.

Gilfeather, entered a guilty plea by post.

The offences related to possession of the drugs on June 28 – four months before he was appointed as a senior communications officer in the Greater Manchester Mayor’s office, working with Mr Burnham as part of his role.

In court, Gilfeather was fined £300 £200 for possession of heroin and £100 for cocaine.