A wanted man carrying a machete was caught in a police ambush after officers went undercover as a takeaway rider and street cleaner. Roy Hallissey was known to regularly visit a market in Poplar, east London, but would avoid the area whenever he spotted police.
Undercover operation in Poplar market
So officers from the Metropolitan Police took a different approach. One disguised himself as a street cleaner while another posed as a delivery rider, approaching Hallissey from separate directions. The police then arrested him and found a large machete hidden around his waist.
Wanted for stabbing and court absence
Hallissey was wanted after being convicted of a stabbing and failing to attend court for sentencing. He was also wanted over an alleged assault on an emergency worker. He had breached a criminal behaviour order banning him from Poplar.
Guilty plea and sentencing date
Hallissey later pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article, breaching the order, driving offences, assaulting police and escaping lawful custody. He is due to be sentenced on October 7.
