An undercover police officer, known by the alias Dave Evans, has admitted to lying during the spycops inquiry regarding a sexual relationship he had while deployed. The officer, who infiltrated leftwing and animal rights campaign groups, initially claimed he did not engage in any relationships while using his fake identity. However, he was compelled to confess that he had a relationship with a woman that lasted at least six months.

Admission of Deception

Under questioning, Evans stated it was "possible" that the relationship could have lasted for two years, although he could not recall the exact duration. This revelation came after campaigners presented evidence of the relationship to the inquiry. A central focus of the inquiry is the pattern of undercover officers engaging in sexual relationships without disclosing their true identities.

  • Four undercover officers are alleged to have fathered children with women they met during their operations.
  • Evans was one of approximately 139 undercover officers sent to spy on tens of thousands of activists over more than four decades.
  • His infiltration included groups like the Socialist Workers Party and London Animal Action between 1998 and 2005.

Previous Statements

In his initial statement to the inquiry, signed four years ago, Evans asserted: "I did not engage in any sexual activity whilst in my undercover identity." However, in a subsequent statement this year, he acknowledged that he should have disclosed his relationship with a woman named Olivia. This admission followed campaigners bringing evidence of the relationship to light.