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UK anti-terrorism chief quits
04/12/2007 18:43 - (SA)
London - Britain's chief anti-terrorism officer, who became embroiled in a row over his expenses, has decided to retire, London's Metropolitan Police said on Tuesday.
Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman, responsible for overseeing the fight against Islamist extremism as well as protecting the royal family, had been facing investigation for hospitality expenditure, the force said last month.
The retirement will take effect immediately.
The allegations were among a number against individual officers about using corporate credit cards that are being looked at by the force's corruption watchdog.
"Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police Authority and the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman has decided to retire from the Metropolitan Police Service," a police statement said.
The national counter-terrorism co-ordinator Peter Clarke, who had been due to retire himself on January 31, 2008, will take over Hayman's role until a successor is found.
Hayman, 48, has been head of the Specialist Operations Directorate, which includes the Counter-Terrorism Command, since February 2005.
He was involved in the investigation into the devastating July 7 and failed July 21 suicide bomb attacks in London in 2005 and when an innocent Brazilian man, Jean Charles de Menezes, was mistaken for a bomber and shot dead.
A recent court case in which the police were found guilty of health and safety failings over the death, heard criticism that Hayman failed to pass on concerns about the true identity of De Menezes up the chain of command.
Hayman said he was honoured to have served to protect the nation, despite his workload's toll on family-life and friends.
But in an apparent reference to the expenses allegations, he added: "It (the role) also puts you in the spotlight, often in ways that are very hurtful.
"Recent weeks have seen a series of leaks and unfounded accusations about me, which I have and will continue to refute strongly.
"However, these events take their toll on you personally and I feel now is the right time for me to step aside and for a new person to take over."
Met Police Commissioner Ian Blair said Hayman could be "very proud" of his achievements but he fully understood his decision.
- AFP
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