FORMER Skipton man Craig Cartman, who had been serving in the London Metropolitan Police Force for 20 years, has died aged 47.

Craig had been very much a front-line figure in the face of the virus but regrettably became one of the latest casualties of Covid.

An immensely popular personality, Craig was born and bred in Skipton where he attended Greatwood Primary School and then Ermysted’s Grammar School.

Unsure of his career path when leaving Ermysted’s, Craig took on a number of jobs including him working for a lengthy spell with his father, Charlie Cartman, on security at Leeds-Bradford Airport. However, he was not alone in the believing that he would be an ideal candidate for the police force due to his giant frame and excellent communication talents.

Craig had served in the force for more than twenty years and he had won the respect of work colleagues and public alike, capably displaying understanding and empathy where applicable, yet guaranteed to be firm and resolute when tougher challenges arose. His outstanding qualities saw him become a sergeant and more latterly a custody sergeant.

After contracting the virus only a fortnight previous, Craig posted a message on social medial when he typically wished his friends well, and expressed his determination to fight all the way. Alas though, the virus would show no mercy.

Craig leaves a fifteen-year-old son, Jude.

A spokesman from the Metropolitan Police Service said: “Craig worked in several boroughs in the Met covering several different roles before gaining promotion and working as a Custody Sergeant in Met Detention since 2018.

Craig was a committed family man and devoted father. He will be greatly missed by his family, police colleagues and friends.