The Metropolitan Police’s request to keep the identity of undercover police officers who investigated Fabric night club a secret has been rejected by a judge.
A report that the officers produced after visiting the Farringdon superclub disguised as clubbers played a major role in the subsequent closure of the club, The Islington Tribune reported.
The Met argued that, if they lost their anonymity, the officers’ safety and ability to do their job would be at risk, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday.
However, during the preliminary hearing District Judge Robin McPhee said that there was “significant public interest” in Fabric’s appeal against its closure, according to The Independent.
Mr McPhee said: “If I had a power to withhold names and serial numbers of officers it would be wrong of me to exercise that power.
“I find no real safety implications and no real evidence that they will not attend court to give evidence.”
The appeal is due to continue on November 28.
