MI5 Avoids Contempt Proceedings Despite False Evidence in Neo-Nazi Informant Case
Judges cite complexity and public interest in decision not to pursue action against agency and director general over 'X' controversy.
Carla Rooney
MI5 and its director general, Sir Ken McCallum, will not face contempt of court proceedings.
Judges declined to proceed. They cited the complexity of a contempt case and the overriding public interest.
This controversy stems from a 2022 court bid to block the BBC from identifying X. He is a covert human intelligence source accused of abusing two women.
Beth, X's former girlfriend, settled her claim against MI5 in March. The service made no admission of liability.
Beth maintains the agent abused her. He reportedly attacked her with a machete and used his status to terrorize her into silence.
Charlotte Kilroy, KC, asserts an MI5 officer "knew that his dishonesty was likely to result in an interference with the administration of justice." Kilroy further claims others aware of the false evidence either failed to ensure correct evidence was given or had their truthful reports ignored by superiors.
Officer 2, an MI5 officer, resigned from the service last year. The identity of agent X remains unknown; he is understood to have left the UK.