About

STEPHEN BENTLEY

I write true crime and crime fiction. I wrote a bestselling true crime book that has topped the UK charts on numerous occasions.

Before that in my previous lives I was a UK Detective Sergeant, pioneering undercover cop, barrister, and many other things too which you can read in my bio below.

I guess you could say I go on reinventing myself through necessity and refusal to ever quit during the stormy times.

As for my writing, I believe readers think of my books like Marmite in that they either love or hate my books.

Serendipity (one of my favourite words) dictates most readers love my books, thank goodness.

Bio

Born in Accrington, Lancashire but raised in Huyton, Liverpool from infancy. I consider myself a Scouser endorsed by a good friend’s docker father who considered me an honorary member of the ‘Brotherhood of Scousehood.’ I still love Liverpool even though I haven’t been there for a few years. The eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted the image of Liverpool’s Liver Buildings to the right of this text. It is displayed in full below.

I was educated at Prescot Grammar School, Merseyside, England leaving school at 17 years, and returned to education in 1993 at the now London Metropolitan University and was awarded a law degree LLB (2:1 Honours).

My police service was in both the Lancashire and Hampshire forces from 1966 to 1980 when I resigned with the rank of Detective Sergeant.

Between 1980 and 1993, I worked in a variety of jobs as a sales manager, truck driver and instructor. While reading law full time between 1993 and 1996 I also worked as a hospital night security porter, a London motorcycle courier and chilled food delivery driver to fund my studies.

From 1996 to 1997 I qualified as a barrister at the famous Inns of Court School of Law, London. From 1997 to 2011 I practised law as a criminal barrister defending in cases of murder, rape, sexual assault, robbery, firearms possession and supplying drugs including cases at the famous Old Bailey and the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). 

Travels

From 2013, I travelled in South East Asia including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines. I also spent some time in Australia riding a Harley motorcycle. I have chosen to make the Philippines my permanent home with my partner, now wife and partner, Zabrina.

It was Zabrina who encouraged me to write. I did and haven’t stopped since. I am proud to say I am a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, and the Society of Authors.

I have also co-authored ‘Operation George’ and write true crime in both my own name and that of David Le Courageux.

Pen Names

Besides that of David Le Courageux, I also write paranormal cozy mysteries under the name KJ Cornwall.

Publishing Contracts and TV & Film Options 

I’m not shy in mentioning that my Operation Julie memoir has been optioned for film and TV, and Penguin Random House UK (Ebury) has acquired the UK and Commonweath publication rights.

Media 

My books and I have featured in the media many times. They include articles in the Daily Express, BBC News England, the Guardian. In addition I have featured on BBC Radio 4 World at One, BBC Five Live, BBC Radio Solent, Talk Radio Europe, BBC TV Wales News, BBC TV Tonight, and an interview with Jane Garvey on BBC Radio 4 Life Changing series.