VIP abuse ‘fantasist’ could face charges

AN ALLEGED fantasist, known only as Nick, who claimed he was raped and abused by a VIP paedophile ring, could face charges after police referred the case to prosecutors.

Detectives from Northumbria Police have spent 10 months investigating the man on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, after his claims led to a £2.5million investigation by Scotland Yard known as Operation Midland.

They have also been investigating Nick, who cannot be fully identified for legal reasons, on suspicion of making a fraudulent claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

It is understood police have finished their inquiries and have sent a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which will decide whether to press charges.

Operation Midland led to a number of leading politicians and other high profile figures being falsely accused of child abuse offences and even murder.

Among those to have their reputation traduced during the inquiry was the late Sir Edward Heath, the former prime minister, Lord Brittan, the former home secretary, and Lord Bramall, the former head of the army.

Last week, Scotland Yard confirmed that it had paid £100,000 compensation to Lord Bramall and to Lord Brittan’s widow after raiding their homes during their investigations.

 Former MP Harvey Proctor is to sue the Met Police over the investigation. He told ITV News he had been “destroyed” by claims that he was part of a Westminster paedophile ring. Mr Proctor is to sue for loss of earnings and the loss of his home, and criticised the police for delaying their response to his lawyers’ petition for compensation.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “We do not recognise what Mr Proctor has said about the delay.”