The Leveson Inquiry

Deputy Asst Commissioner Sue Akers

When this inquiry was announced I have to admit I was less than enthusiastic. We in the UK have seen this type of thing before and frankly they have a predictable habit of achieving very little. However, very suddenly things have started to warm up. It now appears clear that the extent of criminality between the press and the police was quite widespread.


The accusations are flying thick and fast but when someone of the standing of Sue Akers has to admit that there is evidence of police wrongdoing then we should all sit up and take notice. 


The parade of 'celebrities' that have taken the stand in this inquiry and the amounts that News International has paid out in 'compensation' illustrates that phone hacking appears to have been common place even though the people at the top deny all knowledge. I find it very difficult to believe that people who revel in power and control really did not know what was happening.


I think it would be foolish to deny that the police and the press should have some contact but the depth and extent of the contact between the police and the press in the UK seems to have exceeded all reasonable bounds. It would also appear that the press also penetrated many levels of public service. In many cases large sums appear to have changed hands.


I think that the public have become cynical with the conduct of the British police. There are far too many examples of poor behaviour by members of a force often lacking in empathy and common sense. The public are also wary about the conduct of the press who often harass people unmercifully when seeking a story.


I do wonder what will now happen now that the cat is out of the bag? Will anyone ever become accountable for this poor behaviour? Will we ever see court appearances? I'm afraid the current climate would indicate that once again the facts are in the public domain but nobody will have the political will to ensure that the guilty will be punished. The stench of corruption is almost becoming unbearable.