Officer who analysed computer faces inquiry after copying data
A POLICE officer who said he had seen thousands of pornographic images on a computer used by Damian Green faces being investigated himself by Scotland Yard, over the alleged unauthorised re- lease of confidential information.
Neil Lewis, who analysed Mr Green’s computer in 2008, during a police investigation into Home Office leaks, admitted making copies of material.
He explained that despite being told to delete it, he had not thought that was the correct thing to do “morally or ethically” and made copies so that it could be retrieved at a later date.
But it has emerged that Mr Lewis could be investigated over alleged misconduct in public office after putting confidential information into the public domain. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Confidential information gathered during a police inquiry should not be made public.
“The appropriate course of action is to cooperate privately with the Cabinet Office inquiry as the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) has done.
“As is routine for cases of this nature the circumstances of information being made public will be looked at by the Directorate of Professional Standards.”
As a retired officer there is no disciplinary sanction open to the Met, but having worked in counter-terrorism, Mr Lewis is likely to have signed the Official Secrets Act. Mr Lewis said he did not mention the pornography in his formal statement on his findings to his senior investigating officer, as it had “no bearing on the leak investigation”.
But he said he had kept his notebook after leaving the Metropolitan Police because he felt “uncomfortable” about Operation Miser. He said he had spoken out after Bob Quick, his former colleague, was attacked for going public last month about material he allegedly found on Mr Green’s computers.
Critics have said the police cannot take information gathered in an investigation and put it into the public domain.
Lord Carlile, a former Lib Dem MP, said there was “a complete loss of authority” at Scotland Yard.
“I think the conduct of the police in this case is quite extraordinary. I would expect the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to take charge, given we are dealing with the effective deputy prime minister,” he said.