Senior managers told police spy to use fake identity in court, inquiry hears

Michael Scott gave false identity when being prosecuted alongside activists over anti-apartheid protest in 1972

Senior Scotland Yard managers authorised an undercover officer to lie in court when he used his fake identity in a trial in which he was convicted of public disorder, an inquiry has heard.

The managers have also been accused of ignoring ethical issues when they encouraged the undercover officer to spy on legally protected confidential discussions between campaigners and their lawyers about legal tactics.