Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton Plead Not Guilty in Liverpool Corruption Case

Twelve defendants face charges including bribery and misconduct as Operation Aloft progresses to trial preparation next month.

Joe Anderson, former Liverpool mayor, and Derek Hatton, ex-deputy council leader, appeared in court denying all charges tied to alleged corruption in Liverpool City Council contracts from 2010 to 2020.
Anderson is accused of bribery, misconduct in public office, and conspiracy, including claims he sent or arranged threatening letters to himself, which he denies.
Hatton faces charges of bribery and procuring misconduct, while his wife, Sonjia Hatton, is accused of misusing confidential council information for business purposes.
Other defendants include former council officials and business figures, such as Andrew Barr and Nick Kavanagh, who also pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and conspiracy.
All 12 defendants were granted unconditional bail, with a plea and trial preparation hearing set for April 25, 2025, at Preston Crown Court.