"NJ....much opposition was expressed, on AB, and other places, when the retired Officer did come out and say what he knew about Green.
Given tonight's revelations, isn't it rather a good idea that he did,..."
No it isn't. The end does not justify the means. Commissioner Cressida Dick said a couple of weeks ago that police officers have an enduring duty to keep confidential all the information they gather in the course of their enquiries. That duty, she said, does not cease when they leave the job.
Constable Neil Lewis had no right to retain his official note book after he left the force. They are supposed to be retained as archives in case of any legal proceedings. He had no right to divulge the information contained in it. I have no particular feelings one way or the other about Mr Green. I assume that all politicians tell lies at some time in their career, some more than others. It's no big deal. I am more concerned about former police officers divulging confidential information which they gained during the course of their duties. That's far more serious than a lying politician and just because the unauthorised disclosure of this particular information suits some people does not make it OK.