Naming sex crime suspects ‘helps police’

THE Harvey Weinstein scandal and case of disgraced broadcaster Stuart Hall highlight the importance of being able to name sex crime suspects, an ex-Scotland Yard chief has said.

Lord Blair was responding yesterday to calls in parliament for anonymity to be granted up until charges are laid.

During a Lords debate, the independent crossbencher said being able to name suspects might be useful where it could lead to more victims coming forward. He said: ‘There are circumstances in which it is appropriate to name a suspect and that is usually when the person is incredibly powerful.’ In the case of Hall, who was jailed over a string of sex assaults on young girls, Lord Blair said: ‘If there hadn’t been an announcement that he had been arrested, the chances of a number of other victims coming forward would be very limited.’

Lord Blair, who was Metropolitan Police commissioner from 2005 to 2008, also highlighted the case of movie mogul Weinstein who has faced a barrage of sex assault allegations. The scandal has led to accusations being made against numerous prominent men in entertainment, business, politics and the media.