MI5 avoids court proceedings over false evidence

Politics · First reported 3 Nov, 11:09 · Updated 11:19

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Senior judges declined to initiate contempt proceedings against MI5 and its director-general after the agency provided false evidence to three courts. They said further proceedings were not in the public interest at this stage.

MI5 provided false evidence to three courts and maintained for three years that the information was accurate before admitting it was wrong.
The evidence was used in MI5’s successful 2022 bid for an injunction against the BBC, which remains in force and allows a documentary to air without identifying the man at its centre.
The judges said further proceedings would be unlikely to add to an independent report’s findings; the court said any proceedings should follow consideration by police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

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Key facts

Court decision: Judges declined to initiate contempt proceedings against MI5 and its director-general.
Evidence: False evidence was given to three courts.
Injunction: MI5’s evidence was used in a successful 2022 bid for an injunction against the BBC; the injunction remains in force.
Investigation: Sir John Goldring’s report found serious and systemic failings by MI5.
Officer: Officer 2 resigned from MI5 last year.
Former girlfriend’s claim: Beth settled her claim against MI5 in March; MI5 made no admission of liability.