DS Don Beech   played by Billy Murray

First appearance    Expert Witness (03/02/95)    

Don Beech had spent 30 years in the job, with his own methods of dealing with villains and often sailing close to the wind. An old sweat who remained Sergeant because of his single-mindedness - his time keeping was his own business. Deakin often hesitated to reprimand him, recognising a like-mind. Beech refused to seek approval for his choice of friends and wasn't afraid to risk the disapproval of his colleagues and superiors. He was a maverick that did things his own way and got results. It wasn’t all hard-boiled detective work for him though – he loved a gamble and had an eye for the women too. A charmer with a past, Beech was a good police detective who liked to operate solo allowing him to bend the rules and line his own pockets.

He finally crossed the line in 1998 by lying in court in exchange for £20,000 paid by a gangland boss. CIB became aware of his corrupt activities and placed undercover officer DS Stanton at Sun Hill to expose him. Beech came undone when his relationship with arch villain Fallon spiraled out of control leading him to murder his colleague DS Boulton. To Stanton's disgust Beech did a deal with her boss and appeared to be prepared to turn himself in. However he managed to keep one step ahead and with the help of his girlfriend Maggie escaped to Australia.

Beech decided to turn villain and go for big money in Sydney. He took part in bank and pub raids and tried to set up deals with local crime syndicates. It was a gamble that didn't pay off and led to him having to let the world think he was dead. Putting his new anonymity to good use, Beech came back to England and masterminded a robbery that would have set him up for life. However, Claire Stanton tracked him down and brought him to justice.

Beech was sent to prison for life but Don made a Sun Hill comeback in May 2004, offering to exchange information on a diamond robbery for a cushier jail. But he had the last laugh. While being transferred he convinced DI Manson to give him a quiet moment with his girlfriend...and escaped. He's now on the run.