Officer will not have Secrets Act immunity

Peter Francis, who said that officers were tasked with finding information that could be used to smear the family of murder victim Stephen Lawrence, had asked for immunity in return for speaking to police.

His allegations led to all police forces being ordered to trawl their archives for evidence of a smear campaign.

Documents found by West Yorkshire Police led to the Independent Police Complaints Commission launching an investigation into allegations that former chief constable Sir Norman Bettison may have tried to influence the public inquiry into the murder.

An inquiry headed by Derbyshire Chief Constable Mick Creedon is looking at the activities of Scotland Yard’s Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), but initially Mr Francis said he would only speak to a public inquiry about his explosive claims, and not police.

His stance has been backed by Stephen’s mother Doreen who has called for a public inquiry.

It was reported last night that a senior police officer had written to Mr Francis to say: “Neither [the] CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) or myself can provide immunity from prosecution for breaches of the Official Secrets Act or any other matter.”

He added: “I have made the decision at this time to treat you as a witness... and hope that you are prepared to assist the inquiry.”

Mr Francis worked for the SDS in the 1980s and 1990s, using the name Pete Black.

He said: “I will only appear before a public inquiry. I’m also prepared to appear before the House of Commons Select Committee. I’ve already volunteered to do that.”

Mr Francis added: “My master now is no longer the police, it’s the public, so I will give them all the truth on the issues.”

Mr Creedon previously suggested Mr Francis would be treated as a witness.