N officers 2

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

Part of a series on the
Undercover
Policing Inquiry
N Officers list
Description: A list of N & HN cyphers used to designate individual officers in the Inquiry and by Operation Herne (Part 2)

Police officers cited in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) are generally designated by a cypher / nominal starting with N or HN followed by a number. The practice of assigning these cyphers was begun in by the Metropolitan Police inquiry Operation Herne which investigated the activities of the Special Demonstration Squad undercovers. It was subsequently adopted by Mark Ellison for his Review and the UCPI, both of which draw heavily on the material assembled by Operation Herne. The system appears to have changed in 2017, when the 3 August 2017 rulings and direction of the new Inquiry Chair, John Mitting, began using the 'HN' label, though the associated numbers appear to be unchanged.[1]

  • Updated 10 March 2018

N series officers part 2 (100-299)

Cypher Name Status Notes
HN101 unknown SDS. Contemporary of Peter Francis, who had 'an involvement in Stephen Lawrence campaign issues' according to Lambert (Ellison, p. 214).[2]
HN103 unknown No restriction order application made.[3] 11 January 2018, directions issued for any application for restriction orders to be submitted by 30 & 31 January 2018 for MPS and Designated Lawyers Team respectively.[4]
HN104 Carlo Neri (alias) UCPI minded to restrict real name.[1][5] SDS UCO. Deployed against two groups March 2000 to Summer 2006. Both he and partners concerned about violence being used by (ex)members of the groups he targeted and of media intrusion, and the efforts of those with IT skills to ascertain his real name and whereabouts. "These concerns are not irrational and have some basis in fact". According to Prof Fox, (report of 8 March 2017), HN104 suffers from significant mental health conditions. Mitting opposing publishing of real name as interference under Article 8(2), and not necessary for those who claim sexual relationships with him in order to give evidence in acts committed by his cover name. "On the basis of what is known, interference in Article 8(2) rights is not justified." Can give evidence from behind a screen.[5] Applications from MPS & N104's lawyer to restrict publication of real name only; also received are personal statements from his family and expert medical report; final risk assessment from MPS awaited but no scope for restriction of cover name. Open versions published..[6]

In the responding submissions made by the Non-Police/State Core Participants, it was noted that Carlo's real name was known to those he had spied upon.[7] Mitting asked the NPSCPs to reconsider their position that HN104's real name should be released.[8] This was declined as no further material was forthcoming from the Inquiry [9] In his 23 October 2017 note, Mitting noted he could not prevent publication of the real name by others[8] The matter was returned to during the public hearing of 21 November when it effectively recognised that the name was going to be published, the matter simply being who did it. Mitting requested that the NPSCPs stayed their hand on releasing the real name until a closed hearing to consider management of the process.[10]

Following a closed hearing, Mitting issued a direction on 20 December 2017, adjourning the determination of HN104's application until 31 March 2018 'to permit discussions to take place between the legal representatives of HN104's first wife and those of the non-state core participants and of the traditional media.'[11]

August 2017 application: open application for restriction order (MPS), open application for restriction order (S&G), Open supplementary application for restriction order (S&G), open medical assessment, open personal statement (1), open personal statement (2), open statement by HN104's partner, open statement by HN104's relative

HN106 unknown Minded to (March 2018): real name cannot be published; no application over cover name.[3] SDS UCO 1979-1983. Initially deployed against one group, but on his own, authorised initiative infiltrated another. Currently in his 60s. Promised lifetime anonymity by senior offices. Groups targeted pose no risk to his safety; but he is concerned about media intrusion.[3]

His deployments are of interest to the Inquiry.[3]

11 January 2018, directions issued for any application for restriction orders to be submitted by 30 & 31 January 2018 for MPS and Designated Lawyers Team respectively.[4]

HN108 unknown real name to be published in due course.[1] No application made.[5] SDS back office / manager
HN109 unknown Minded-to: grant a restriction order for the real and cover name (15 Jan 2018).[12] Provisional decision (5 Mar 2018): restrict real & cover name with application to be heard on 21 March 2018.[13] SDS UCO & Det. Insp. SDS Detective Inspector in 1995.

Interview by Operation Herne quoted in Ellison Review: "There was never any reference made to ‘smearing’ in relation to the Lawrence family. Deployments into the support campaigns surrounding Stephen Lawrence were specifically to build a picture of the public order background… Any meeting I was involved in was never about any family member. It was done to protect the family" (Ellison, p.211).[2]

Mitting indicated on 15 January 2018 that he would grant a restriction over the real and cover name of HN109, the reasons for which would not be made public.[14]

Open application, open risk asssessment & open personal statement

Note: Nov 2017, extension sought to move consideration of their restriction order to a future tranche .[15]

HN112 unknown 20 February 2018, directions issued for any application for restriction orders to be submitted by 26 & 28 February 2018 for MPS and Designated Lawyers Team respectively.[16]
N118 Simon Wellings (alias) Confirmed.[17] SDS UCO

20 February 2018, directions issued for any application for restriction orders to be submitted by 26 & 28 February 2018 for MPS and Designated Lawyers Team respectively.[16]

HN120 unknown real name to be published in due course.[1] No application made.[5] SDS back office / manager
HN122 unknown Minded to (March 2018): real name cannot be published; application to restrict cover name refused.[3] SDS UCO deployed ino two groups in late 1980s / early 1990s.

Mitting wrote in March 2018 that for reasons set out in a closed note, it is possible to examine HN122's deployment without risk of seriosu harm to HN122 or others, and the cover name must be published to give groups targeted a chance to provide evidence.[3]

11 January 2018, directions issued for any application for restriction orders to be submitted by 30 & 31 January 2018 for MPS and Designated Lawyers Team respectively.[4]

HN123 unknown Ruling: restrict both cover name and real name (Dec 2017).[18] SDS UCO. Deployed into a number of left-wing groups 1993-1998, one of which 'advocated and practiced the use of violence'. Retired from MPS on health grounds & later diagnosed with a mental health condition in part derived from his deployment[5][18] Said to have played a part in activities connected to the spying on the Lawrences.[10][18] Mentioned in both Ellison Review and Herne II. See under profile for details.

Initially represented by Slater & Gordon and a core participant, they have since withdrawn as such.

HN125 unknown Minded-to (25 Jan 2018): restriction order over both real and cover names[19] Provisional decision (5 Mar 2018): restrict real & cover name with application to be heard on 21 March 2018.[13] SDS UCO deployed into a single left-wing group in the 1980s. According to Mitting, his deployment was unremarkable and no known allegation of misconduct was made against him.

Mitting's 'Minded To' note of Jan 2018 stated HN125 has suffered from an incurable progressive medical condition, which has recently deteriorated. Expert medical opinion has said to participate in the Inquiry would cause relapse and deterioration, so took would any public exposure of his role as an undercover officer. Closed reasons accompany this, which are closed for reasons of 'medical confidentiality'.[20]

Open application, medical report (gisted) & additional medical report (gisted)

N124 unknown See under HN356; this officer was given two numbers by Operation Herne.[14]
HN127 unknown Ruling (Feb 2018): restriction application over real name refused.[21] Sergeant with SDS 1997-2001.[22] and cover officer for Carlo Neri, HN15 and others.[21]
N129 unknown Extension sought to deal with in a future tranche.[15] SDS Detective Sergeant. received Lambert's memo on the N81 / Walton meeting; commented on character and skill of Peter Francis, but also that they did not recognise the allegations regarding seeking information to smear the Lawrence family. His statement to Op. Herne is quoted in Ellison (p.212): "[Mr Francis] was targeted towards the campaign in the same way as today… to perform a dual role of protecting the family from malicious extremist influences and providing information about potential public order issues. The anti-police sentiment on the streets was palpable, and Territorial Policing was very interested in any potential or planned disorder…" N129 believes that he was directly tasked to get involved with the campaign, although not necessarily with the family. His role was not about ‘smearing’ at all.[2]
HN146 unknown Real name to be published in due course.[1] No application made.[5]
HN155 unknown Oral submissions invited in respect of a restriction order over the real name invited for hearing of 21 March 2018.[3] SDS UCO; deployed against a left wing group 1980-83.[3]

Mitting wrote (March 2018):[3]

The threat posed to his physical safety by former members of the group and/or sympathisers is nil or neglible. He will, however, inevitably be the subject of unwelcome media attention and is understanably concerned about the impact which that will have on his wife. But for the facts refered to below, I would have made a restriction order in respect of hsi real name, to avoid unnecessary infringement of the right of HN155 and his wife to respect for their private and family life.
The real name of HN155 is known to responsible journalists, who have written to him in that name. Publication of it by them from information already in their possession would not infringe any restriction order... if made. I am not minded to make futile orders. Hence the need for oral submissions from those with an interest in this issue.

Jan 2018: more time granted 'to provide the Chairman with information in order for him to make a decision'.[19][20]

N183 Richard Walton Special Branch background. Later head of Counter Terrorism Command.
N190 unknown SDS Detective Inspector; commented on retention / destruction of documents within the SDS during a 2004 document rationalisation process (Ellison, 201).[2]
HN200 unknown 20 February 2018, directions issued for any application for restriction orders to be submitted by 26 & 28 February 2018 for MPS and Designated Lawyers Team respectively.[16]
HN204 unknown Real name to be published in due course.[1] No application made.[5] SDS back office / manager
N216 unknown Minded-to (Nov 2017): application for restriction order in respect of real name to be refused.[22] SDS management. Responsible for day-to-day running of the unit in the 1990s.

Note from Mitting (Nov 2017):[22]

The evidence which he can give about the management of the Special Demonstration Squad is potentially significant. There is no known allegation of misconduct against him. He has identified no plausible risk to the safety or welfare of himself or his family beyond the possibility of unwelcome media attention if his whereabouts were to be traced. This is a real risk, but it is outweighed by the legitimate interest which the public has in his performance of his duty in a senior and responsible public office. The starting presumption that evidence given by such a person about such duties should be given publicly and in his own name is not displaced. Closed reasons accompany the note.

Expressed outrage at Peter Francis allegations (Herne II, 21.1.14) and stated in respect of the targeting of Duwayne Brooks (Herne 24.1.13): 'SDS activity targeting individuals in a public order context may have brought certain officers into contact with, or in the close proximity of Duwayne Brooks, but, if that did happen, this would not have been in response to the murder investigation, or any connection with the family'.[23]

N218 unknown Cover name and real name to be published as no restriction order application made.[15] Herne II, para. 25.1.2 states: The MPS Director of Intelligence in 1999 has been interviewed by Operation Herne and stated, 'I have been asked if I recall 'any Special Branch plans to mislead the Macpherson Inquiry' into the death of Stephen Lawrence. For part of this time, I was head of Special Branch operations and have no recollection of any such plans.’ Peter Francis alleged that N218 came out to see him in respect of withholding information from the Macpherson Inquiry. In interview, N218 stated that this meeting or request never happened.[23] It is not clear if N218 is the MPS Director of Intelligence referred to or if it refers to someone else entirely. If N218 is the Director of Intelligence then it is probably Alan Fry as opposed to his successor Roger Pearce (who appears as N85).[23]
HN241 unknown Ruling (20 Feb 2018): real and cover names to be restricted.[21] SDS UCO. In his 70s, deployed against one group in the early 1970s. No allegation of misconduct. Arrested but not charged on one occasion.[24]
HN244 unknown Full extent of restriction order being sought unknown; extension sought for MPS to supply this application (Nov 2017).[15]
HN268 unknown Real name to be given 'when evidence relating to them is published before hearings'.[19] SDS Back office staff. No application to restrict real names made.[20]
N275 unknown Det. Ch. Insp.; probably SDS but not definitive. Critical of record retention and note-taking in the SDS (Ellison, pages 198 & 201).[2]
HN294 unknown Ruling (December 2017): real name cannot be published.[18] Cover name not ascertained.[1] SDS UCO & managerial. Deceased. Deployed in 1968-1969 against one group which no longer exists, and reported on others, which also no longer exist. Managerial position in SDS 1969-1974. [18][5]
HN296 unknown 15 Jan 2018: 'Minded-to' grant restriction order over real name; no application in relation to cover name which will be published in due course.[12] SDS UCO. Currently in late 60s. Deployed against one left wing group from 1975 to 1978; no known allegation of misconduct against him.[14]

He does not live in the UK but is willing to cooperate with the Inquiry. Publication of real name 'not necessary to permit the terms of reference of the Inquiry to be fulfilled' as it would interfere with his right to respect for his private and family life, and would not be justified under article 8'.[14]

HN297 Rick Gibson (alias) Cover name released[1] Minded-To: real name cannot be published.[5] SDS UCO. Deceased. Deployed 1974-1976 against the Troops Out Movement and Big Flame. Investigated and confronted in 1976, he disappeared after that. The cover name was released by the Inquiry in August 2017.

Mitting initially wished to restrict HN297's real name. The MPS anonymity application was discussed at the hearing of 21 November 2017 where it was revealed that 'Rick Gibson' had been in two and maybe more relationships while undercover. Mitting noted this changed things and asked for further information from the non-police/state core participants before making his ruling. In January 2018, 'Mary' one of the women involved with Gibson submitted a statement on him. The anonymity application was further discussed at the hearing of 5 February 2018, following which, on 20 February 2018, Mitting wrote:[21]

I refuse to make a restriction order in respect of the real name unless, HN297 by 4pm on Thursday 8 March 2018, the Inquiry receives evidence which casts serious doubt on the evidence contained in the witness statement of 'Mary'.

For more detail, see under Gibson's profile.

HN298 unknown Minded-to (Nov 2017): Real name cannot be published; no application over cover name.[22] SDS UCO. Deployed against two groups in the 1970s, one of which was involved in anti-apartheid campaigning; convicted of assault of a police officer and obstruction of the highway during a demonstration in 1972:[22]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Press Release: 'Minded to' note, ruling and directions in respect of anonymity applications relating to former officers of the Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Policing Public Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 3 August 2017 (accessed 3 August 2017).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Mark Ellison, Possible corruption and the role of undercover policing in the Stephen Lawrence case, Stephen Lawrence Independent Review, Vol. 1, Gov.UK, March 2014
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Sir John Mitting, 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 Special Demonstration Squad - 'Minded To' Note 5, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 7 March 2018 (accessed 10 March 2018).
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstrations Squad: Directions, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 11 January 2018 (accessed 11 January 2018).
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 John Mitting, 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, Undercover Policing Public Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 3 August 2017 (accessed 5 August 2017).
  6. ↑ David Barr & Kate Wilkinson, Counsel to the Inquiry's explanatory note to accompany the 'Minded to' note 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 Policing Public Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 3 August 2017 (accessed 5 August 2017).
  7. ↑ Ruth Brander & Philippa Kaufmann QC, Submissions on behalf of the non-police, non-state core participants re the Chairman's 'Minded To' note dated 3 August 2017 concerning restriction order applications, 5 October 2017 (accessed via UCPI.org.uk).
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sir John Mitting, Supplementary 'Minded-To', Undercover Policing Inquiry, 23 October 2017 (accessed 23 October 2017 via UCPI.org.uk).
  9. ↑ Ruth Brander & Philippa Kaufmann QC, Submissions on behalf of the non-police, non-state core participants re the Chairman's 'Minded To' note dated 23 October 2017 concerning restriction order applications, 6 November 2017 (accessed via UCPI.org.uk).
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Transcript of hearing of 21 November 2017, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 21 November 2017.
  11. ↑ Sir John Mitting, Directions following closed hearings for HN15, HN58 and HN104, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 20 December 2017 (accessed 3 February 2018 via UCPI.org.uk).
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Press notice - ‘Minded-to’ anonymity: Special Demonstration Squad Officers (HN13, HN296, HN304, HN339, HN340, HN354, HN356/124, HN61, HN819, HN109, HN9, HN66), Undercover Policing Inquiry, 15 January 2018 (accessed 15 January 2018).
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Press notice - Publication of documents relatign to Special Demonstration Squad anonymity applications for hearing on 21 March 2018, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 5 March 2018 (accessed 5 March 2018).
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 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 3, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 15 January 2018 (accessed 15 January 2018).
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 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 (accessed 15 November 2017).
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstrations Squad - Directions, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 20 February 2018 (accessed 1 March 2018 via UCPI.org.uk).
  17. ↑ Update on anonymity applications – N118 ("Simon Wellings"), Undercover Policing Public Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 19 January 2017 (accessed 5 August 2017).
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 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: Ruling, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 5 December 2017 (accessed 9 December 2017).
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Press Notice: Decisions relating to anonymity applications: Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 25 January 2018 (accessed 25 January 2018).
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Sir John Mitting, 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 Special Demonstration Squad - 'Minded To' Note 4, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 25 January 2018 (accessed 25 January 2018).
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Sir John Mitting, 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 - Ruling, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 20 February 2018 (accessed 4 March 2018).
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 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 (accessed 15 November 2017)
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Mick Creedon, Operation Herne: Report 2 - Allegations of Peter Francis, Metropolitan Police Service, March 2014.
  24. ↑ Brian Lockie, HN241 Risk assessment (open version), Metropolitan Police, 3 October 2017 (accessed via ucpi.org.uk).
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