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) Ruling (Dec 2017): Real name to be released.[5] SDS UCO. Deployed against two groups March 2000 to Summer 2006.

Real name known to the activists he spied upon, and who exposed him. In October 2017, Mitting wrote that he could not prevent publication of Neri's real name by other parties outside of the Inquiry.[6] And during the public hearing of 21 November, it was effectively recognised that Carlo's real name was going to be published, the matter effectively reduced to who did it.[7] Discussions on how to publish the name, while respecting rights of the family ongoing.

For more detail, see the profile of 'Carlo Neri'

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.[8] SDS back office / manager
HN109 unknown Ruling (Mar 2018): cover and real name to be restricted.[9] SDS UCO in 1970s & Det. Insp. SDS Detective Inspector in 1995 (1980s/90s).[10]

For more detail, see the profile of HN109

HN112 unknown Minded to (March 2018): real name to be restricted; application over cover name refused.[11] SDS UCO. Joined Special Duties Squad in last year of its existence, working in back office and building his legend. However, never deployed. Did have a cover name which will be revealed in due course.

Mitting wrote of him:[11]

The information and evidence which he can provide to the Inquiry will concern his recruitment into the Squad and its disbandment. His mental health was fragile. The coincidence of the disbandment of the Squad and an event in his family life caused a sudden and serious deterioration in it. In the opinion of Dr McLaren, a consultant psychiatrist, publication of his real name would create a significant risk that his mental state would be destabilised again.

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.[12] Following publication of the 22 March 2018 minded to, Mitting directed that any notification for a closed hearing was to be made by 10 April, with skeleton arguments to be provide by 17 April.[13]

HN113 unknown April 2018: further information sought.[14]
N118 Simon Wellings (alias) Confirmed.[15] Real name cannot be published (March 2018).[11] 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.[12]

HN120 unknown Real name to be published in due course.[1] No application made.[8] 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 (Dec 2017): restrict both cover name and real name.[16] 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[8][16] Said to have played a part in activities connected to the spying on the Lawrences.[7][16] 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.

HN124 see HN356 Billy Biggs Cover name released. see HN356. Allocated two numbers by Operation Herne.[17]
HN125 unknown Ruling (Mar 2018): cover and real name to be restricted.[9] 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.

HN125 is in his 60s and is retired.[9] 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'.[18]

Restriction order application material: Open application (16 Nov 2017), medical report (gisted, Dr. Busuttil) & additional medical report from an unnamed neurologist (gisted)

Inquiry decisions: 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.[17] Ruling (Mar 2018): cover and real name to be restricted.[9]

N124 unknown See under HN356; this officer was given two numbers by Operation Herne..[17]
HN127 unknown Ruling (Feb 2018): restriction application over real name refused.[20] Sergeant with SDS 1997-2001.[21] and cover officer for Carlo Neri, HN15 and others.[20]
N129 unknown Extension sought to deal with in a future tranche.[22] 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]
HN135 unknown April 2018: closed hearing to take place.[14]
HN146 unknown Real name to be published in due course.[1] No application made.[8]
HN155 unknown Oral submissions invited in respect of a restriction order over the real name invited for hearing of 21 March 2018. SDS UCO; deployed against a left wing group 1980-83.[3] The threat from those he targeted or their associates is negligible. During this time came into regular contact with a then sitting MP who they are unable to clearly recall suffiiciently to identify them.[23]

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.

His position gave rise to a substantive discussion on regarding The Guardian's ability to publish his name, which was heard at the 21 March 2018 hearing as this would have a bearing on HN155's restriction order application.[3][24] A subsequent Minded To note issued on 28 March 2018 saw Mitting indicating he was likely to grant the restriction order over HN155's real name.[23]

Jan 2018: more time granted 'to provide the Chairman with information in order for him to make a decision'.[19][18]

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 Minded-To (March 2018): real name cannot be published; cover name to be published in due course.[11] SDS UCO. deployed into one group in late 1970s Currently in 70s. Deployment apparently unremarkable. No reason to publish real name; and HN200 and wife are concerned about media intrustion.[11]

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.[12]

HN204 unknown Real name to be published in due course.[1] No application made.[8] SDS back office / manager
N216 unknown Minded-to (Nov 2017): application for restriction order in respect of real name to be refused.[21] SDS management. Responsible for day-to-day running of the unit in the 1990s.

Note from Mitting (Nov 2017):[21]

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'.[25]

N218 unknown Cover name and real name to be published as no restriction order application made.[22] 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.[25] 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).[25]
HN241 unknown Ruling (20 Feb 2018): real and cover names to be restricted.[20] SDS UCO. In his 70s, deployed against one group in the early 1970s. No allegation of misconduct. Arrested but not charged on one occasion.[26]
HN244 unknown Full extent of restriction order being sought unknown; extension sought for MPS to supply this application (Nov 2017).[22]
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.[18]
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.[16] 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. [16][8]
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.[27] SDS UCO. Currently in late 60s. Deployed against one left wing group from 1975 to 1978; no known allegation of misconduct against him.[17]

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'.[17]

HN297 Rick Gibson (alias) Cover name released[1] Minded-To: real name cannot be published.[8] 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:[20]

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 Michel Scott Minded-to (Nov 2017): Real name cannot be published; no application over cover name.[21] 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:[21] Active 1971-1976, in Young Liberals, Anti-Apartheid Movement and Workers Revolutionary Party.[28]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Press Release: 'Minded to' note, ruling and directions in respect of anonymity applications relating to former officers of the Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 3 August 2017 (accessed 3 August 2017).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 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. ↑ Sir John Mitting, On the application of HN104 for a restriction order in respect of his real name, Undercover Policing Inquiry", 20 December 2017.
  6. ↑ Sir John Mitting, Supplementary 'Minded-To', Undercover Policing Inquiry, 23 October 2017 (accessed 23 October 2017 via UCPI.org.uk).
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Transcript of hearing of 21 November 2017, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 21 November 2017.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 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 Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 3 August 2017 (accessed 5 August 2017).
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 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 5, 27 March 2018 (accessed 29 March 2018)
  10. ↑ 'HN109', Open impact statement, Metropolitan Police Service, 30 November 2017 (accessed via ucpi.org.uk).
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Sir John Mitting, In the matter of section 19(3) of the Inquiries Act 2005 Application for restriction order in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad 'Minded To' Note 6 and Ruling 5, Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 22 March 2018 (accessed 28 March 2018).
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 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).
  13. ↑ Sir John Mitting, Directions following publication of Minded to Note 6, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 22 March 2018 (accessed 2 April 2018 via UCPI.org.uk).
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 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 - 'Minded to' note 8, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 26 April 2018 (accessed 26 April 2018).
  15. ↑ Update on anonymity applications – N118 ("Simon Wellings"), Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 19 January 2017 (accessed 5 August 2017).
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 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).
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 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: 'Minded to' note 3, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 15 January 2018 (accessed 15 January 2018).
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 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).
  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 20.3 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).
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 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)
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 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).
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Sir John Mitting, In the matter of section 19(3) of the Inquiries Act 2005 Application for restriction order in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad 'Minded To' Note 7, Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI.org.uk), 28 March 2018 (accessed 2 April 2018).
  24. ↑ Hearing of 21 March 2018: Draft Transcript, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 21 March 2018 (accessed 21 March 2018, via ucpi.org.uk).
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Mick Creedon, Operation Herne: Report 2 - Allegations of Peter Francis, Metropolitan Police Service, March 2014.
  26. ↑ Brian Lockie, HN241 Risk assessment (open version), Metropolitan Police, 3 October 2017 (accessed via ucpi.org.uk).
  27. ↑ 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).
  28. ↑ Undercover Policing Inquiry, Update of Cover Names page, ucpi.org.uk 20 March 2018 (accessed 20 March 2018). See also email of same day from Inquiry to core participants announcing the release of the cover name and groups associated with HN298, unpublished.
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