Former detective Barry Appleton to launch memoir in Paphos

Paphos, Cyprus. Retired detective and television writer Barry Appleton will introduce his memoir, Twentieth Century Cop, at Stage One Emba Theatre on October 15. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

A career in policing and television

In his memoir, Appleton recounts his experiences as a Metropolitan Police officer and Flying Squad detective involved in prominent criminal investigations. The book brings together accounts of his working life, traditional policing and experiences on the streets.

His first-hand accounts cover the gangland murders of George Cornell and Ginger Marks, both associates of the Krays; playwright Joe Orton’s violent death; and the £8m robbery of Bank of America in 1976. After assignments on several major murder investigations, Appleton was tasked with investigating Martin Luther King’s assassination undercover.

Appleton also took his policing experience into television. He became the principal writer for British police drama The Bill in 1984 and subsequently received an award from the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain for his scripts for Taggart.

Launch programme and reservations

Appleton settled in Paphos after retiring and has written three plays for the local theatre company, making the launch venue a familiar setting for him.

The theatre will open its doors at 6.30pm, with the presentation starting at 7pm. An English-language question-and-answer session with the author and a signing session will follow.

Reservations for the October 15 event can be made by calling 99-329107.