Star comment: Stench still lingers over police force

It is now five years since five men previously jailed for life over the young footballer’s brutal slaying had their convictions quashed following a string of shocking police failings coming to light.

Not only has the police watchdog failed to publish its report and findings into this horrendous case for two-and-half years – the Information Commissioner has now ruled that the officers involved will have their identities protected for the time being.

This is a blatant and absolute affront to accountability and transparency.

The Express & Star fought Staffordshire Police for a whole calendar year – and won – to get the damning dossier at the heart of this scandal published for the first time. But the force decided to withhold the names of the officers involved.

After a further challenge by the Express & Star, the Information Commissioner has come to the decision that the officers named in the report should not have their identities revealed because it would be ‘unfair’ and could lead to them becoming ‘distressed’.

Yet again, the Establishment has protected its own. How about some consideration of Kevin Nunes’ family who have patiently waited for the truth in this case since it collapsed in 2012?

What about their feelings or their human rights?

And how about demonstrating to the public – whose trust in the police and the systems in place to scrutinise their actions must be shattered by this case – that officers can’t just simply retire to escape justice or punishment?

And what about answers for the men who were convicted and imprisoned after a botched and manipulated trial? The lack of openness and accountability in this case stinks to high heaven.

The practices and culture of the police, the so-called ‘independent’ watchdog, and now the Office of the Information Commissioner would shame a banana republic.

The saga of Operation Kalmia – the inquiry into the Kevin Nunes scandal – demonstrates how inadequate and inept the state is at holding itself to account.

How this case hasn’t been subject to an intervention by the Home Secretary or the Home Affairs Select Committee remains a mystery.

This stench has been lingering over Staffordshire Police for far too long. Surely it’s about time someone sets about draining the swamp and giving the public some honest answers?