This week, public hearings for the Undercover Policing Inquiry Tranche 3 (Phase 1) have opened.
Several Garden Court barristers represent core participants who have been significantly affected by undercover policing in England and Wales, and have made opening statements to the Inquiry.
Tranche 3 will hear evidence from Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) officers deployed during the period between approximately 1993 to 2007 and former SDS managers. The Inquiry will also hear from 21 non-state witnesses, many who represent groups that were infiltrated and women who were deceived.
Leslie Thomas KC made an opening statement on behalf of Myrna Simpson, Bernard Renwick, Lee Lawrence, Winston Silcott, Stafford Scott, Dr Graham Smith and Mark Metcalf, who were placed under surveillance for seeking justice through lawful campaigning. Leslie leads Sam Jacobs of Doughty Street Chambers, instructed by Bhatt Murphy Solicitors.
Watch Leslie’s submission on 14 October here. Written statement available here.
Rajiv Menon KC made an opening statement on behalf of Duwayne Brooks OBE, Stephen Lawrence’s friend who was present and had survived the night of Stephen’s fatal attack, and was spied on by the police. Una Morris is junior counsel on the legal team, instructed by Jane Deighton of Deighton Pierce Glynn.
Watch Rajiv’s submission on 14 October here. Written statement available here.
James Scobie KC made an opening statement on behalf core participant Youth Against Racism in Europe (YRE), Dave Nellist, Judy Beishon, ‘Lewis’, Lois Austin and Hannah Sell. It examines how undercover policing targeted socialist, anti-racist and anti-fascist movements in Britain in the 1990s. James leads Piers Marquis of Doughty Street Chambers, instructed by Paul Heron of Public Interest Law Centre.
Watch James’ submission on 15 October here. Written statement available here.
Lily Lewis represents core participants MWS and MSS (two members of the family campaign for justice for Michael Tachie-Menson), Sukhdev and Tish Reel (mother and sister of Ricky Reel), Karen Doyle, Alex Owolade, Antonia Bright, Tony Gard and Movement for Justice. All campaigned for justice, against racism, and to expose police failings from 1993 to 2007, and were subject to surveillance by undercover police. Lily is led by James Wood KC of Doughty Street Chambers and instructed by Mike Schwarz of Hodge Jones & Allen.
Watch the submission on 15 October here. Written statement available here.
Sarah Hemingway is Second Junior Counsel to the Inquiry and Rachel Schon is Junior Junior Counsel to the Inquiry.
