A former undercover Metropolitan Police officer who infiltrated a left wing campaign group in east London is due to give evidence to the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Mark Jenner, also known as agent HN15, operated under the name Mark Cassidy during his deployment.
While undercover, Jenner formed a five year intimate relationship with an activist known as “Alison”, not her real name, while he was married with children. The pair lived together, went on holidays and attended family events. Alison and Jenner’s former wife have both given evidence to the inquiry.
The Undercover Policing Inquiry is examining the tactics used by the Metropolitan Police Special Demonstration Squad. It has previously been reported that at least 50 women were deceived into intimate relationships with undercover officers over several decades. The inquiry heard that Jenner’s relationship with Alison did not appear in his official reports to senior officers.
“There are so many layers of lies,” Alison said.
“I think his direct managers knew and covered it up. Or they didn’t know and they are entirely incompetent.”
Alison told the inquiry she met Jenner at the Colin Roach Centre in Hackney in 1995, which she described as a “peaceful organisation” supporting families in dispute with the police. Jenner became a prominent figure within the group and later moved into Alison’s flat.
“We were very compatible,” she said. “I felt very safe with him.”
Documents shown to the inquiry indicated Jenner requested travel authorisation to follow group activities outside London. These trips were in fact holidays with Alison, including visits to Israel, Thailand and Amsterdam.
When Alison later discovered Jenner was an undercover officer, she said she was “very angry, distressed and physiologically disturbed”.
“His true motivation was about sexual gratification,” she said.
Jenner’s former wife told the inquiry she received “no support from the police” and claimed “the deceit and collusion went high up the chain.” Alison has since supported other women with similar experiences and helped establish the Police Spies Out of Our Lives website.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell said the Metropolitan Police acknowledged “the serious wrongdoing and the totally unacceptable behaviour” by some undercover officers and apologised for the harm caused.
Mark Jenner is expected to give four days of evidence to the Undercover Policing Inquiry. The inquiry continues.
