Security high as Dale Cregan faces court A huge security operation was mounted today as alleged police killer Dale Cregan was brought to court to face four murder charges. Cregan, accused of murdering Pcs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone in a gun and grenade attack in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, arrived at the city's magistrates' court under heavily-armed guard. Officers surrounded the court building and an armed unit accompanied the convoy of six vehicles which brought him from custody. As the van which held Cregan entered the court's underground car park, four armed police officer emerged from a 4x4 to guard the gates. Cregan is also accused of killing Mark Short at the Cotton Tree Inn in Droylsden, Tameside, on May 25 and his father David in an attack at his home in Clayton, Manchester, on August 10.