DS Cartwright called into Skinner's Bookies in order to informally question Des Barnes over the allegation that his boss, Sean Skinner, had robbed and assaulted Steve McDonald on the evening of 4th March, 1995. Skinner had been arrested by PC King a few days prior, but was released while police continued with their lines of inquiry. Eager to pin the crime on Skinner, the detective sergeant was disappointed when, after probing Des, got no further with the investigation as Des denied seeing or hearing anything untoward taking place whilst at the dogs with Sean at the time in question.