Supergrass Files: Even Chapman had copy of the rules

ATTEMPTS by junior officers to deflect blame for wrongful payments were dismissed by investigators who pointed out supergrass Karl Chapman had been found with a copy of the official guidance himself.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Feb 2013, 06:00 BST

Operation Douglas said junior officers had attempted to excuse payments Chapman wasn’t entitled to by complaining of a lack of training in informant handling.

But the investigation said: “Chapman was essentially a witness and formal training in informant handling would not have assisted them greatly.

“It is hard to believe they had no knowledge of Home Office circular 9/1992, particularly when Chapman has displayed knowledge of it and was found in possession of the guidance.

“The officers would not have transgressed had they abided by the conditions notified to them by HM Prison Service when Chapman was produced into police custody.”