Public Interest Immunity is an interesting legal concept, however, when it touches on the Metropolitan Police cover up of the Daniel Morgan murder, it takes on a far darker dimension. The CPS decided that ex Det Ch Supt Dave Cook (or David Imrie-Cook as he now styles himself) would not be prosecuted, as it would spare New Scotland Yard’s embarrassment. As a strategy, it backfired spectacularly.
Cook was proven to have used unreliable witnesses, in an endevour to fit up Daniel Morgan’s partner, Jonathan Rees, along with Mr Rees’ two brothers in law at the time, the Vian Brothers, Garry and Glenn. Inadequate compensation was awarded. An already tarnished Met reputation became decidedly shabbier.
It is quite patently in the public interest that Cook is prosecuted. Justice delayed is justice denied and saving Cressida Dick’s blushes is not a cogent legal reason for ineptitude. Cook’s future looks likely to have him dance the Tyburn jig, unless he rolls over on his minions. He was far from alone in his venality. Occluding the truth is The Met’s priority in this case. It ought to be highlighting the maliciousness of Old Bill.
Much has been made of the reason for Morgan’s murder – a recent theory is that Morgan and Alan “Taffy” Holmes were onto a police corruption case. Bryan Madagan torpedoed this, no serious commentator lends it weight. Holmes committed suicide as he had been sold out. Morgan? Most plausible – adultery, only other motive which holds water is a connection to the Bonnicci drugs cartel in Malta.
Morgan’s family deserve an answer, and putting Cook in front of a court of law, in a high profile prosecution would settle the matter finally.
Ciaran Goggins 