Born in York, Mike attended Joseph Rowntree Comprehensive School, where he is proud to say he excelled only in the studies of motorcycles and girls! In 1988, after a variety of jobs and attracted by the bright lights of London, he joined the Metropolitan Police, and became one of the youngest officers to be given his own patch – in Clapham Junction. Mike went on to serve on the Divisional Crime Squad, Murder Squad and TSG (Riot Police), where he was also trained in surveillance.

In 1997 Mike transferred to North Yorkshire police as he missed the countryside - and fly fishing! He became a rural beat officer and eventually, a wildlife officer. In 2005 he starred in 26 episodes of the BBC’s Country Cops and was inspired to write a book about his adventures in the North Yorks force. The first in the series, NOW THEN, LAD..., has received unprecedented pre-publication interest (an itinerary of author appearances and reviews is posted below and will be updated regularly).

Mike served nearly 20 years in the police, during which he became one of the highest commended officers – for intelligence gathering, drug seizures, and bravery to name but a few. He has dealt with some terrifying crises – and met some wonderful people along the way.   

TO BE PUBLISHED

• Now Then, Lad...
  Constable & Robinson, May 2008