Bernard Hogan-Howe 'regrets', but Met chief won't say sorry
BRITAIN’S top policeman yesterday insisted he would not be bullied into apologising for hounding Lord Bramall over baseless child sex claims.
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe would only express regret for the torment suffered by the former defence chief and his late wife while 22 detectives searched their house last year.
The D-Day veteran was interviewed under caution and kept under suspicion for 10 months until being cleared in January.
The investigation – part of controversial Operation Midland – has been described as one of the most shameful episodes in the Met’s history.
The investigation – part of controversial Operation Midland
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner told the Home Affairs Select Committee: “We don’t only apologise to people because they’re famous. We apologise where there’s good cause.”
During one terse exchange, Tory MP Tim Loughton referred to a “media circus” surrounding the case.
Sir Bernard, who last week apologised to the widow of Lord Brittan following a shambolic inquiry into a 1967 rape allegation, said: “If what you mean is that you want me to be bullied into apologising then that won’t happen.”