Published
Mon, Oct 31, 2016, 16:41
- The judge ruled against the Met's bid to keep the officers' identities secret, citing 'significant public interest' in the appeal.
The names and serial numbers of the police officers who carried out an undercover report on fabric in July will be given in court.
The controversial report, which was presented at the Islington council licensing sub committee hearing in September, stated that "people entering the club were inadequately searched" and referenced clubbers with "glazed red eyes, staring into space."
At the preliminary hearing for the club's appeal at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court last Monday, October 24th, a barrister for the Metropolitan Police argued that the names of the officers should be kept secret, so their safety and future undercover work are not compromised, reports the Islington Tribune. District Judge Robin McPhee denied this request, commenting that there is "significant public interest" in the result of fabric's appeal, adding: "If I had a power to withhold names and serial numbers of officers it would be wrong of me to exercise that power." The officers' names and serial numbers will be read aloud in court, but they will be able to give evidence via a video link visible only to the judge, legal staff and two members of the press.
The appeal will be heard from November 28th through December 1st. fabric recently announced significant staff cuts, and has been raising funds for its appeal through the #saveourculture campaign fund.