Police review if 'homophobic assumptions' played role in investigation

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ordered a police force to review whether "homophobic assumptions" played a role in its investigation into the sudden death of a gay man.

Scott Gough, 56, took his own life at his home in Chandler's Cross, near Watford, Hertfordshire, on 29 March 2024, a day after allegedly receiving a blackmail note.

His partner Cameron Tewson had complained to Hertfordshire Police that his death was not fully investigated. The IOPC also ordered this to be re-examined.

Tewson said: "From the beginning, it's been a case of banging my head against a wall, making phone calls and sending emails to try and get officers to take this seriously."

He added: "It's always one step forward and two steps back. In many ways, I feel I've never had a chance to grieve."

Bedfordshire Police has now assumed responsibility for the investigation into Gough's death.

Tewson said he is being kept informed about its progress, according to the Local Democracy Service.

Hertfordshire Police said it was "committed to supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community" and remained "dedicated to learning to ensure that officers understand specific issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community".

The night before Gough's death, a note including a phone number was left for him that read: "I think it's in your best interests to give me a call."

Tewson said Hertfordshire Police treated his partner's death as "a statistic" and failed to follow up on evidence suggesting he may have been targeted by a gang of men on the dating app Grindr.

A BBC investigation found multiple cases of suspected blackmail involving victims targeted on the social networking app in Gough's local area, with at least four cases connected to one gang.

The IOPC found the force made errors and "did not fully investigate" Gough's death. It also found Hertfordshire police added to his partner's distress by failing to respond to his complaints in a timely manner.

The force stated it wished to "reiterate its sincere condolences and sympathy" to Tewson about Gough's death.

"The reinvestigation finalised by Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Professional Standards Department into Mr Tewson's complaint found that a blackmail investigation should have been considered and the constabulary has sought an independent review of the original investigation," Hertfordshire police added.

"This is currently being undertaken by Bedfordshire Police, and they will also take on the new investigation if this is deemed necessary.

"The progress of all concerns raised as part of Mr Tewson's complaints is subject to ongoing and senior oversight."

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