Arthur Layton is a former special forces explosives specialist who shoots DI Alex Drake in 2008. Alex encounters him in 1981 in episode 1.1, "Deja Vu", and suspects that, despite giving the appearance of being a lowly fence, he is the kingpin behind a drug smuggling operation in the city. Layton is later released from prison near the end of episode 1.8, "Alex's Big Day" through the efforts of his barristers, Tim Price and Evan White and arranges the car bomb which kills Drake's parents.