Sir Richard Henriques, the former High Court Judge who published a devastating report on Operation Midland – the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into a fictitious ‘VIP paedophile ring’ made up by Carl Beech and others – has called for a criminal investigation into the officers who botched the investigation. Amongst a catalogue of other failings, officers are accused of misleading the Senior District Judge for England and Wales into issuing search warrants, by describing Mr Beech as ‘a credible witness who is telling the truth.’
Sir Richard’s report was published over four years ago. The Met’s response has been characterised by delay, confusion and obfuscation. On the one hand Bernard Hogan-Howe – the Commissioner at the time – apologised to Lady Brittan, and the force has paid out large sums in compensation to her, and to Lord Bramall and Harvey Proctor.
On the other hand, senior officers involved in the investigation appear to have not suffered much in the way of sanctions or career impediment.
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