Timothy Spence (alias)

From Powerbase
Revision as of 14:29, 3 August 2018 by Peter Salmon (talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search


URG logo 1.png

This article is part of the Undercover Research Portal at Powerbase - investigating corporate and police spying on activists



Part of a series on
undercover police officers
'HN88'
Male silhouette.png
Alias: Timothy Spence
Deployment: 1983-87
Unit:
Targets:
Stoke Newington and Hackney Defence Campaign, Hackney Campaign Against the Police Bill.

Timothy Spence is the cover name used by a former Special Demonstration Squad] undercover officer who infiltrated from 1983 to 1987 the Stoke Newington and Hackney Defence Campaign, Hackney Campaign Against the Police Bill[1] (community-based support groups[2]).

He is also referred to by the cipher HN88 (for cipher system, see the N officers page).

In the Undercover Policing Inquiry

An application to restrict both cover and real names made with accompanying risk assessment and personal impact statement (all unpublished).[2]

In November 2017 Mitting refused to restrict publication of HN88's cover name, noting: [3]

One of the issues which the Inquiry must explore is whether or not the deployment was justified and what, if anything, of legitimate interest to the police occurred during the deployment. It is unlikely, due in part to the passage of time, that HN88 will be able to give detailed evidence about the deployment. In that event, and in any event, the Inquiry will wish to obtain, if possible, evidence from those against whom HN88 was deployed. This task will be at least impeded if the cover name is not published.
Publication of HN88’s real name is not necessary to permit this to occur. It would give rise to an interference with private and family life, including HN88’s economic activity which would not be justified under Article 8(2)... or fair to the officer. HN88 is concerned that if the cover name is published the real name might be identified. I am satisfied that the risk is so small as not to amount to a real risk and have therefore discounted it.

A closed note was also issued setting out further details.[3]

On 9 July 2018, the Inquiry made a provision decision to restrict HN88's real name[4] and released the open application.[5][6] It was also directed that any objections to Mitting's intention to grant the restriction order to be made by 20 July 2018.[7]

Notes