Bob apprehended that killer and maintained an impressive one hundred percent conviction rate in every investigation he spearheaded.
As Bob is interred today (Tuesday, Jan 21) at Wakefield Crematorium, among those paying tribute to him are the families of the murder victims he valiantly sought justice for.
A police flag will be placed over Bob’s casket, alongside his original police helmet inscribed with PC Robert Taylor 1008, his truncheon, and handcuffs resting on it.
Bob served as Detective Chief Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police for eight years before leading the National Crime Squad until 2001.
He achieved an unmatched record of securing convictions against every offender he captured during some of the most prominent criminal investigations in the country.
Bob successfully tracked down and imprisoned the murderer of Julie Dart, infamously known as the ‘Keighley Kidnapper,’ Michael Sams. Sams evaded capture from other investigative teams due to the fact that he had a prosthetic limb, leading Birmingham detectives to dismiss him as a suspect.
Nonetheless, Bob pursued the evidence that was laid before him.
During his tenure, Bob directed some of the UK’s most significant operations, successfully bringing to justice the individual responsible for the murder and assault of Wakefield woman Wendy Speakes in 1994.
Wendy’s daughter, Tracey Millington-Jones, was among the first to commend Bob.
She expressed: “Thirty years ago, he entered my life during the bleakest moments. My mother had been murdered, and my family and I were in despair.
“Bob, a robust Yorkshireman, took command of the case with a steady and resolute determination.”
Bob, who resided in Wakefield, spearheaded the high-profile hunt for the murderer of Wendy Speakes, noted as the ‘shoe fetish’ killer, Christopher Farrow.
Tracey remarked: “From the outset, he (Bob) engaged with me respectfully and compassionately, assuring me that he would identify the person accountable.
“I never doubted him—not even for a moment. Six years later, true to his promise, Bob located and charged the individual who took my mother from me. He delivered justice and, most importantly, closure.”
Tracey noted that Bob went above and beyond. He kept in contact, supporting her through each parole hearing, campaigning to ensure the killer remained incarcerated.
She said: “Bob was not merely a detective; he was a beacon of strength and a friend during my time of need.
“Bob, you were truly Mr. 100 percent convictions, and I will remain eternally thankful that you were entrusted with my mother’s case.”
Numerous friends, family, and former colleagues of Bob will be paying their respects today.
Among those attending the funeral is Chris Gregg, who served as a detective inspector on numerous cases alongside his “good friend” Bob.
Chris, who later headed the HMET (Homicide and Major Enquiry Team), stated: “Bob was one of the finest—if not the finest—senior detectives I have had the honor of working with.
“I collaborated with him on various murder inquiries, and his immense intelligence and resolve enabled him to secure justice against some of the nation’s most callous killers.
“I held immense admiration for Bob; he was not only a remarkable detective but also a charismatic and inspirational leader, and his warmth, humor, and loyalty to the teams he led were unwavering.
“I learned a great deal from him in my own career as a detective, and I have yet to meet anyone as universally respected. I take pride in calling Bob both a friend and a colleague.”
Bob fathered twin sons with his former wife, journalist Sheron Boyle, and has three additional children from a prior marriage.
Bob’s son, Finlay, an NHS healthcare assistant, expressed: “As a detective, my dad maintained an astonishing 100 percent detection and conviction rate for some of the most severe crimes committed.
“I cherish that he was characterized by a leading psychologist as a ‘bear of a man’ for his strength and dedication to his work in law enforcement.”
Bob’s youngest son, Joseph, 25, a PhD student at Leeds University, stated: “My father’s lifetime of accomplishments alone warrants being remembered with profound pride.
“However, I am fortunate to have also known his love, not only as a father but as a best friend.
“Through his work and my own, which he supported wholeheartedly, he will endure in the lives he tirelessly worked to improve.”
Sheron noted that Bob was highly regarded by both the police and the media, acknowledging his appreciation for the work of journalists.
Leeds-based television documentary producer Andrew Sheldon, who collaborated with Bob for more than 35 years and was a close confidant, remarked that Bob “instinctively” understood the connection between investigations and the public.
Andrew remarked: “On camera, he had a countenance that showcased the kind of experiences you don’t receive from merely sitting behind a desk—portraying toughness, gruffness, and sharpness, yet profoundly human, with a way of speaking everyone connected with. This instilled confidence in the public that he would hold wrongdoers accountable.”
Bob’s dearest friend, ex-Detective Sergeant Tim Grogan, referred to him as “the detective’s detective.”
“In leading murder investigations, his calm, composed demeanor radiated and engendered a quiet assurance among his team, who, it is no exaggeration to state, revered him,” said Grogan.
He further described him as “the very best of men.”
In addition to his distinguished career, Bob authored a book titled Crimebuster: Inside the Minds of Britain’s Most Evil Criminals, illustrating how he employed his capacity to understand the mentalities of the criminals he pursued to ensure they faced justice. He also frequently appeared on BBC’s Crimewatch.
