MPS `reaches settlement` over Operation Midland failings

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has reportedly paid the widow of former Home Secretary Leon Brittan and an ex-Armed Services head £100,000 each in compensation after heavy criticism of its historical child abuse investigations. Lady Brittan and peer Lord Bramall both had their homes raided during the 18-month Operation Midland. Lawyers for the MPS are understood to have agreed the sum after accepting the searches were unjustified. No evidence of wrongdoing was found. Representatives for the Brittans and 93-year-old Lord Bramall, a D-Day veteran, refused to discuss the details of any payout. The MPS confirmed to Police Professional on Monday (September 4) it has reached a settlement but would not disclose the amount. The force faced criticism over the £2.5m investigation into claims made by a single accuser, known only as Nick, of a high-level paedophile ring linked to Westminster. It closed without a single arrest and, after a review found there were “numerous errors”, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) opened an investigation into officers involved. It is understood that the MPS is yet to agree a sum with another victim, former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor. Mr Proctor claims to have lost his job and his home after he was falsely accused of rape and murder. Despite a personal apology from former MPS commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Mr Proctor is believed to be chasing a compensation claim of £500,000. A report from the retired judge Sir Richard Henriques said senior detectives fell for Nick’s “false allegations” and misled a judge to obtain warrants to search the homes of “innocent members” of the establishment. The IPCC said in March that three detectives who worked on Operation Midland are being investigated for allegedly misleading a judge in order to secure search warrants.