Carl Beech: Police’s ‘unwarranted belief’ in fantasist caused failed probe into fake paedophile ring, review finds

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Scotland Yard’s botched investigation into a fake Westminster paedophile ring was driven by an “unwarranted and disproportionate belief” in fantasist Carl Beech, a review has found. Former High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques said the failed £4.5m Operation Midland probe resulted in search warrants for innocent suspects being “obtained unlawfully” after a judge was misled using Beech’s lies. “Whilst the responsible officers assert that they kept an open mind, several failures can only be explained by an unwarranted and disproportionate belief in ‘Nick’s’ credibility.” Carl Beech fed police extraordinary tale of VIP paedophile ring Sir Richard said that belief resulted in “inaccurate statements” being given to judges who authorised the search warrants and caused “dreadful adverse consequences” for those falsely accused. Ms Patel said following the publication of Sir Richard’s review and a separate IOPC report, she would “consider whether any further steps are needed to address any wider issues with policing practice”.