Metropolitan Police ‘paid another force £1m to investigate Carl Beech’
The Metropolitan Police paid nearly £1 million to another force to investigate Carl Beech, who was jailed for his lies about a murderous paedophile ring, it has been reported.
Beech, 51, known in media reports as “Nick”, told detectives he was sadistically abused by politicians, Army top brass, security chiefs and Jimmy Savile in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Met launched the £2 million Operation Midland probe into his allegations.
According to The Times, Northumbria Police has now said its subsequent investigation into Beech’s lies cost £1,109,068, of which the Met reimbursed £951,982.
Former MP Harvey Proctor, whose home was searched and who was interviewed twice by officers after being falsely accused of murder by Beech, said Northumbria Police had done a “thorough and forensic investigation”.
“It is right that the Met Police should pay for its own errors,” he told the paper. “The Met commissioner and the home secretary should … announce a new and independent inquiry.”
The Met has come under pressure to investigate the way its officers handled the probe into Beech’s claims.
Sir Richard Henriques, a former High Court judge who reviewed Operation Midland which found Beech’s claims to be “credible and true”, said he believed warrants to search the properties of high-profile figures were “obtained unlawfully”.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said it had “already published a redacted version of Sir Richard’s report pending the investigation and subsequent trial of Carl Beech”.
“We will publish as full a version of the report as possible, as soon as we can, now proceedings are complete,” the force said.
It added: “The impact of Carl Beech’s false allegations and the Operation Midland investigation on many people has been truly dreadful and damaging to them and their families.
“The then Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, apologised in person to those most affected by the case.
“We remain deeply sorry.”
Beech was jailed for 18 years last month for his “cruel and callous” behaviour.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Following an extremely complex and time-consuming investigation, Northumbria Police presented a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.
“This resulted in a number of charges being brought against the defendant.
“The investigation involved collaboration with a number of partner agencies and I would like to thank them for their expertise and cooperation.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who have been affected by this case for the dignity they have shown throughout this process.”