Robert was born in the Midlands and moved to Cumbria at the age of four, then to Southport at the age of 10. He has lived in Merseyside for the whole of his adult life.
He worked, firstly, in the repair and sales of heavy construction plant as a self-employed diesel fitter and was also employed in that role at Liverpool Docks. When following Labour's 'Winter of Discontent', small businesses were driven to the wall, Robert joined Merseyside Police.
During his 30-year career he worked in several areas and departments, mostly in uniform, including spells at Liverpool's famous (or indeed infamous!) Main Bridewell, the Force Control room, CID and Liquor/betting and gaming licensing and Administration of Justice. Robert concluded his time in the police in the rank of Inspector.
Robert was also a Critical Incident Manager, a gobbledygook title for the time honoured role of Patrol Inspector, responsible 24 hours per day for the direct supervision of policing on the streets and custody of prisoners held in his area.
Robert stood for Police & Crime Commissioner in 2021, receiving 71,961 votes.
Apart from being happily married, he includes in his achievements as being the first person in my family to get a degree (LLB) and to do so via a part time course whilst continuing to work regular shifts (including nights) as a Police Sergeant.