Officers criticised for '˜flawed' missing man investigation

Gerard Hampson’s naked body was found on the shores of Lough Neagh near Toomebridge in Co Antrim, six weeks after his family reported him missing in 2008.

At the time of his disappearance, the 53-year-old was wanted by police for questioning about an abduction in Co Westmeath in 2007.

Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire said the police investigation had been at its most flawed while Mr Hampson was missing.

“There was no risk assessment of the dangers he might face, and police failed to conduct basic witness and CCTV inquiries in a bid to locate him. Orders were not followed, there was no proper ownership of the case and a lack of investigative supervision,” he said.

Dr Maguire said it was “clear the investigation had suffered” because police assumed that Mr Hampson was not at risk.

“Instead, they believed that he was purposely avoiding them after learning that he was wanted for questioning over an incident in the Republic of Ireland the previous April.”

Although a post-mortem was inconclusive, a pathologist concluded there “must be considerable suspicions surrounding the death”.

Eight officers have since been disciplined, but only two received sanctions at the level recommended by the ombudsman. The PSNI downgraded the penalities imposed on six officers and decided not to impose sanctions on another two officers.

Mr Hampson’s family described the ombudsman’s report as a vindication of the concerns they have raised since his death.

“We now know that there was a litany of failures and missed evidential opportunities. Had the PSNI done its job at the time, we might now know what happened to him. We don’t and this is very painful for us as a family to live with,” they said.

Police have apologised to the Hampsons, saying they are sorry the investigation “fell below the standard expected”.

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said he didn’t “underestimate the impact” on the family and added: “They deserved better. We absolutely acknowledge and accept that there are lessons to be learned from this case.”

ACC Martin described the report as “very challenging” and one that makes “difficult reading”.