Express & Star

Kevin Nunes murder probe: 'Shameless' delay on publication of inquiry findings into gangland killing

Police watchdog bosses were today branded 'shameless' as they failed to publish the findings of a four-year inquiry into the botched Kevin Nunes gangland murder probe – TWO YEARS after it was completed.

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Staffordshire Police and the Independent Police Complaints Commission also face accusations of 'colluding to hide' what happened as it was admitted discussions were taking place over what will be made public.

The Operation Kalmia report – believed to have cost in the region of £7 million – outlines failings by detectives that led to the murder convictions of five men jailed for the 2002 killing being overturned in 2012.

Is it time we know truth in murder probe saga?

Fourteen police officers – including the current Staffordshire Chief Constable and a West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable – were investigated between 2011 and 2015.

Apart from one officer receiving 'management advice' not a single other officer has faced disciplinary action despite recommendations to the contrary.

The Express & Star this week intends to publish new details from the calamitous murder probe uncovered by our own investigation spanning three years.

The two-year delay to publish the report was criticised by Inspector-turned-whistleblower Joe Anderson who first exposed wrongdoing and failing within Staffordshire Police's Sensitive Policing Unit in 2006 – a year before the Nunes case went to court.

He said: "Staffordshire Police and the IPCC have failed to publish reports which reveal what went on.

"The family of Mr Nunes and the general public have a right to know what went on."

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said: "I think it is a disgrace and shameless that it has taken so long to deal with."

An IPCC spokesman said: "Due to the complexity and length of the report and supporting evidence, the legally-required consultation with interested parties and reviewing any necessary redactions, this process is currently ongoing. We will look to publish a report in due course."

Staffordshire's Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker said: "The contents of this report and its publication are solely the responsibility of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, and as such we are unable to add any further comment."

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