PC Eddie Santini   played by Michael Higgs

First appearance    Storyboards (29/01/98)

PC Eddie Santini came to Sun Hill from a busy South London divisional nick and caused a minor stir when he arrived - good looking, fashionable with genuine style, his Italian good looks proved irresistible to female colleagues - which at times got up the noses of the other policeman at the nick. Santini had a wicked sense of humour, which at first made him a likeable part of the squad, but his wit became increasingly cutting, causing resentment. It appeared that he was something of a bully. As soon as he could, he moved out of 'ordinary' policing and joined the crime squad where the action was. But after several years in the squad, mixing with the old-school CID who taught him the best tricks in the book, it was clear that Santini was a rule breaker. He arrived at the station, having been turned down for CID because his DI did not trust him.

Santini showed a particularly nasty side of his character when he tried to become romantically involved with pretty PC Rosie Fox. Working closely with her on an undercover operation, he pushed her too far and refused to back off when told, culminating in her near-rape. Santini began to take malicious delight in tormenting her, making strange phone calls and spreading lies. Due to his continual sexual harassment, Rosie transferred away from the station in despair.

Sixth months later, as Santini continued to bully his fellow officers - both male and female - he became a recognised problem within the Sun Hill squad. He was involved in a tricky drugs operation in which he accidentally killed his ex-girlfriend, Jessica Orton. Newly-promoted DS Rosie Fox returned to the station as part of the murder squad investigating the incident, and uncovered Santini's part in it. Santini went on trial for manslaughter, but was found not guilty. However, he was gunned down in his flat soon afterwards as a vital witness in a case involving a big crime lord.