Laughing, joking, cop-killer Cregan

Dale Cregan

Police killer Dale Cregan was known as a hard man who laughed and joked after allegedly killing a man in a gun and grenade attack.

Cregan had been a villain all his life but witnesses did not want to give evidence against him, Preston Crown Court was told.

The 29–year–old has admitted murdering Diggle PC Nicola Hughes (23) and PC Fiona Bone (32).

Cregan had been on the run, wanted over the murder of Mark Short (23), gunned down in the Cotton Tree pub, Droylsden. It is alleged he also went on to kill the victim’s father, David Short (46), in Clayton.

Cregan has admitted murdering the police officers but denies any part of the murder of the Shorts.

Yesterday, the jury heard that Cregan's co–accused Jermaine Ward had told police he was ordered by Cregan and his accomplice Anthony Wilkinson (33) to take part in the murder of David Short but said he was doing so only under duress.

Ward was asked about what went on in the flat where they hid from police and told officers that while in the flat a report came on the TV about the murders of David and Mark Short, with a family tribute.

Ward said: “Dale and Anthony looked at each and started laughing.”

(Proceeding)