In 2016, Sir Richard Henriques was asked to carry out a review into the Met’s handling of Operation Midland which was an investigation into non-recent sexual offence allegations against persons of public prominence.
Sir Richard’s report recommended that “offences of attempting to pervert the course of justice be considered” in the cases of two individuals known as witnesses A and B. He added that “it would be appropriate for another police force to carry out such investigations”.
Earlier this year, following a third party referral which included new information, the Metropolitan Police arranged for West Midlands Police to consider all relevant material relating to witnesses A and B in order to advise on whether any further investigation should follow.
That work has now been completed, with West Midlands concluding that there are reasonable grounds to suspect witnesses A and B have committed an offence of perverting the course of justice and that it is in the public interest to open an investigation into whether there is sufficient evidence to justify a prosecution.
Acknowledging that in light of its previous involvement the Met would not be the most appropriate force to carry out this investigation, officers are in the process of agreeing terms of reference with an external force so that the matter can be taken forward.
