Det Ch Supt Dave Cook, the shadow of the noose.

Is the spurious use of mental illness an excuse to not face one’s consequences? Reticence over what to do with disgraced ex Det Ch Supt Dave Cook (Mr Jacqui Hames) looms large for New Scotland Yard. Cook swore that he would be far from alone in the dock. The failure of the fourth Daniel Morgan murder inquiry rests fully on Cook, as does the wrongful arrests of Jonathan Rees and Glenn Vian.

Cook has opted to elude justice by what the Metropolitan Police term “doing a Derek G Haslam” or feigning mental illness. Of course, Cook could truly be mentally ill, in which case, how and why was he given a high profile unsolved murder? Cook was sufficiently well enough to try and do a book deal with Mike Sullivan. Haslam was allowed to bug “Southern Investigations” after leaving The Met, being declared mentally ill.

Cressida Dick is going to have to take the damage over this, as any further cunctatory tactics could backfire badly. Will Cook “roll over”on his minions to get a reduced sentence? A new and optimistic chapter opens for Morganologists as the police face their worst nightmare. Plod are loathe to pay what they owe (a massive compensation bill for the maliciously prosecuted).

Following on Avon and Somers*t Police’s poorly thought out actions in the Bulmer’s art theft trial the reputation of Old Bill is at it’s lowest.

Spare a thought for Cook – razors in the shower, body fluid in his food. Unless he starts singing.