Timothy Spence (alias)
This article is part of the Undercover Research Portal at Powerbase - investigating corporate and police spying on activists
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]). His real name is being restricted in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
He is also referred to by the cipher HN88 (for cipher system, see the N officers page).
In the Undercover Policing Inquiry
Police made applications to restrict both cover and real names made with accompanying risk assessment and personal impact statement (all unpublished).[2]
In November 2017 John Mitting, Chair of the Undercover Policing Inquiry, indicated he was 'minded to' to restrict publication of HN88's real name but release the 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]
In response to Mitting's November 2017 'Minded To', the Metropolitan Police Designated Lawyers team withdrew the cover name application prior to a closed hearing to deal with the anonymity applications.[4]
On 9 July 2018, the Inquiry made a provisional decision to restrict HN88's real name[5] and released the open application.[6][7] It was also directed that any objections to Mitting's intention to grant the restriction order to be made by 20 July 2018.[8] On 30 July 2018, Mitting made a final ruling that the real name cannot be published by the Inquiry.[9]
Notes
- ↑ Email to core participants, '20180626_UCPI_to_all_CPs_publishing_HN80_HN88_HN90_HN106_HN340', Undercover Policing Inquiry, 26 June 2018, referencing update of the webpage UCPI.org.u/cover-names.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Counsel to the Inquiry's Explanatory note to accompany the 'Minded-To' Note (2) in respect for restrictions over the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 14 November 2017.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 In the matter of section 19 (3) of the Inquiries Act 2005 Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstrations Squad ‘Minded to’ note 2, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 14 November 2017.
- ↑ Kate Wilkinson, Counsel to the Inquiry's Explanatory Note to accompany the Chairman's 'Minded-To' Note 12 in respect of applications for restrictions over the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Public Inquiry, 13 September 2018.
- ↑ Publication of documents relating to anonymity applications: National Public Order Intelligence Unit & Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 9 July 2018.
- ↑ List of documents relating to SOS officers - published 09 July 2018, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 9 July 2018.
- ↑ Open application for a restriction order (anonymity) re: HN88, Metropolitan Police Service, 18 October 2017, published 9 July 2018 via ucpi.org.uk.
- ↑ Sir John Mitting, Applications for restriction orders in respect of real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad and of the National Public Order Intelligence Unit - Directions, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 9 July 2018.
- ↑ Sir John Mitting, Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad: Minded to note 12 and Ruling 10, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 30 July 2018.
