Dismay at ex-officers as Ombudsman probe clears police chiefs

A LAWYER representing PSNI officers questioned as part of a bribery investigation has said his clients are “disappointed” a number of former police officers did not cooperate with an official watchdog’s investigation into the matter.

The seven complainants — including retired PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland and former Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police Mark Gilmore — had themselves been the subject of a police investigation.

It came after allegations of bribery and misconduct in public office were made against them about the awarding of vehicle contracts.

No charges were ultimately brought against any of the men interviewed — all of whom denied any wrongdoing.

Police Ombudsman Michael Maguire subsequently launched a probe into the actions of PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton, his deputy Drew Harris, current Assistant Chief Constable

Chief Constable George Hamilton

Mark Hamilton and a number of other senior officers during the bribery inquiry.

Police had faced claims that covert tactics deployed in the bribery investigation amounted to little more than a “fishing exercise” and that officers on the case had conflicts of interest, given their links to former colleagues under investigation.

There were also claims that police lied to magistrates in order to obtain warrants and that entries in police notebooks and journals were changed.

However, Mr Maguire rejected the vast majority of complaints, exonerating all serving officers.

Solicitor Ernie Waterworth, of MTB Law, said his clients — Mr Gilmore and Mr McCausland — were disappointed that a number of senior officers who have now retired had not cooperated with Mr Maguire’s investigation.

“My clients note the fact that the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has found that a number of police officers would have faced disciplinary proceedings had they still been serving as members of the PSNI,” he said.

“It is also disappointing and notable that a number of senior officers who have since resigned have failed to co-operate with the investigation.”

Duncan McCausland is seeking damages for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment when he was questioned about bribery allegations. He was held for three days.

Another former PSNI officer, Mark Gilmore, who went on to become chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, is also taking legal action. He was suspended from his job in the wake of controversy. He retired two years later, having never returned to duty.