A police officer could face time behind bars after he masterminded a drug trafficking racket after he became inspired by the TV crime drama ‘Breaking Bad’.
PC Daniel Aimson was accused of copying storylines from the hit US show after owned two cannabis farm, and even wore a ‘Heisenberg’ T-shirt which was emblazoned with the face of the lead character.
In ‘Breaking Bad’, chemistry teacher Walter White – played by Bryan Cranston – sets up a crystal meth drug trafficking operation in Albuquerque, New Mexico to fund his cancer treatment.
A court heard that the 36-year-old from Astley, near Wigan started to grow cannabis after he was injured in road accidents in 2007, 2011 and 2015 while on duty serving for Greater Manchester Police.
Police patrolman Daniel Aimson (pictured with his wife Rachel) masterminded a wholesale drug trafficking racket after he became hooked on the TV crime drama Breaking Bad
Following his crash in 2007, Aimson was left in a wheelchair for three months, diagnosed with anxiety and depression. He also claimed he had been left with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and became resentful about how senior colleagues treated him.
Aimson used a driving licence which he had confiscated during a routine stop to rent out two anonymous residential properties and installed special hydroponic equipment.
These two properties were used as the hub for Aimson’s cannabis mantufacturing empire. Following a tip-off, police found 96 cannabis plants at one house and 70 at the other during synchronised raids in June 2016. The estimated yield of the drugs was estimated at £84,500.
Police also raided Aimson’s home he shared with his wife Rachel, which had been kitted out with high-tech security systems, and found £22,545 in cash.
Aimson was investigated by police between 2015 and 2016 after learning about letting agents renting properties so that cannabis could be grown at them, where they were then sold to a contact in Rhyl, North Wales.
Speaking of Aimson in court, Owen Edwards said: ‘He was seen at various stages on his own CCTV hard drive to wear a T shirt depicting the lead character ‘Walt’ in the hit TV series “Breaking Bad”.’
Aimson was investigated by police between 2015 and 2016 after learning about letting agents renting properties so that cannabis could be grown at them, where they were then sold to a contact in Rhyl, North Wales
Aimson used a driving licence which he had confiscated during a routine stop to rent out two anonymous residential properties and installed special hydroponic equipment
He added: ‘In his various text messages it is clear that Aimson revelled in his double life as officer and criminal. He had clearly developed plans for expanding his business.’
Texts sent by Aimson were revealed in court, which revealed the intentions he had for his drugs empire.
One text he sent to an accomplice read: ‘I’m looking at ditching work as soon as a I can. I’ll have three on almost 50/50 splits if we get another – we won’t need to p**s about with anything else.’
Later Aimson would be seen cruising the locality in his Mercedes car going to and front the properties carrying boxes containing the hydroponic equipment and making cash deals in a layby. He was also seen placing bin bags filled with cannabis harvests into the boot of his car.
Aimson initially denied any knowledge of the drug operation when he was arrested. His lawyer said: ‘Aimson does not accept the implication that he revelled in the role he had undertaken, and does not accept that he had based this fictional double life on a TV character.
‘He does accept he was involved in an operation concerning the production of drugs and he is deeply ashamed. The fact he was a serving police officer and the shame and embarrassment he had clearly had to endure makes his guilty plea all the more mitigating to the situation.’
Aimson (pictured on his wedding day) initially denied knowing about the drug business but later confessed
Further texts revealed that Aimson and his gang talked up a ‘sales drive to obtain Christmas money’. Aimson (right) is due to be sentenced at a later date
Further texts revealed that Aimson and his gang talked up a ‘sales drive to obtain Christmas money’.
His lawyer Martin Callery said in mitigation: ‘He suffered from depression and anxiety and received occupational therapy and when he eventually returned to work after the accident it was only to perform what is described as “light duties”.
‘His return to work was short lived, his mental health problems escalated in what would be described as PTSD. He candidly says he agreed to get involved in this enterprise and concedes his role became a managerial one.
‘He admits he was unhappy with the way he had been treated by his employer, and his mental state after the accident must have been in an unstable state. This is not as sophisticated as some commercial enterprises are.’
Aimson will be sentenced later and was remanded in custody.
At Manchester Crown Court, Aimson admitted conspiracy to produce cannabis and misconduct in a public office. He was sacked from the force last February.
His brother in law Richard Grady, 31, of Hindley, Wigan, admitted conspiring to produce cannabis. Michael Hutton, 52, of Openshaw, Manchester admitted conspiracy and possessing amphetamines with intent.
Christopher King, 48, of Ryeburn Drive, Bolton, Hussein Mozahem, 24, of Findlay Street, Wigan, and George Parkinson, 30, of Ullswater Street, Leigh, all admitted conspiracy.
Jonathan Vaiders, 27, of Jaffrey Street, Leigh, Wigan, admitted conspiring to produce cannabis and possession and intent to supply cocaine. Steven Hindley, 27, from Rhyl, North Wales admitted being concerned ion the supply of cannabis.
Christopher King (left) outside Manchester Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis by providing infant plants. Richard Grady (right) is to be sentenced for conspiring to produce cannabis
Jonathon Vaiders (left) outside Manchester Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce cannabis, and possession of cocaine with intent to supply. George Parkinson (right) outside Manchester Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce cannabis.