"A Professional Standards Department report, obtained by the BBC, found failures in how Hertfordshire Police handled the case, including the decision to treat Gough's passing as a sudden death rather than investigating it as criminal blackmail, despite links to other cases of suspected blackmail involving victims targeted on Grindr. According to the BBC, there were multiple cases of suspected blackmail via Grindr in Gough's local area. At least four were linked to the same group of people, who are still at large."
"Gough's partner, Cameron Tewson, criticised police for dismissing concerns of homophobia, and the Professional Standards Department report found that delays in dealing with Tewson's complaints were unacceptable. However the accusation of homophobia was not upheld after officers told investigators they were "absolutely not" homophobic, adding that the claim was "deeply offensive". One claimed Tewson had a "personal vendetta" against them."
A Professional Standards Department report found failures in Hertfordshire Police's handling of Scott Gough's March 2024 death, including treating it as a sudden death rather than investigating potential criminal blackmail. Multiple suspected Grindr-linked blackmail cases in the local area were connected to the same group, with at least four linked victims and suspects still at large. The report recommended a reinvestigation by an independent officer or another force. Gough's partner criticised police for dismissing homophobia, and the report found unacceptable delays in handling complaints. Officers denied discrimination and discussions continue about an independent reinvestigation and use of LGBTQ+ liaison officers for support.
Read at PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news
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