A former Metropolitan Police officer has launched a scathing attack on the force, condemning what he describes as a bungled investigation following a violent assault he suffered while off-duty near Parliament.
Off-Duty Heroism Meets Institutional Failure
Ned Donovan, a 32-year-old former Special Constable and grandson of renowned author Roald Dahl, has publicly criticised Scotland Yard for what he terms 'malicious incompetence' in handling his case. The controversy stems from an incident in August 2024 when Mr Donovan intervened to stop a pickpocket targeting a tourist on Westminster Bridge.
Despite his swift action to detain the suspect, Mr Donovan was set upon by accomplices, sustaining multiple injuries to his face and body from punches, kicks, choking, and bites that necessitated hospital treatment. What followed, according to the former officer, was not a proper investigation but a series of systemic failures that have left him deeply disillusioned.
Deportation of Suspect and Investigation Delays
In a damning account to the Daily Mail, Mr Donovan revealed that one of the two suspects in his assault case has been deported from the UK over unrelated matters, despite being identified for the attack. 'I want to see a result and those who have failed face consequences,' he stated, highlighting broader issues within the force.
Mr Donovan detailed numerous procedural shortcomings:
- Officers failed to take a victim personal statement from him for months following the assault
- DNA swab submissions were significantly delayed
- No proper flagging system was implemented to prevent the suspect's deportation
- The case saw minimal progress until a new officer was assigned in January 2023 after Mr Donovan's complaints
'This is what happens when there are detectives with huge caseloads and the hope that CCTV deletes itself off the server or suspects leave the country and they close the investigation,' he remarked, pointing to resource pressures and inadequate procedures.
Formal Complaint to Met Commissioner
The former officer has now written directly to Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to outline his concerns formally. In his letter, he expressed frustration that the deported suspect 'will never face trial' and noted that obtaining an international warrant would be difficult.
Mr Donovan emphasised that while he still respects his former colleagues who work diligently, they are being let down by those who 'don't even do the minimum.' He contrasted official statistics about reduced murder rates with his experience, suggesting his case represents one of many failures in dealing with other crimes.
Metropolitan Police Response
The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology regarding the handling of the case. A spokesman acknowledged: 'We know that the service received is not always good enough and, on this occasion, we did not always meet the standards we would expect.'
The force stated that better victim care, including consistent communication with those reporting crimes, remains a top priority, with 'considerable progress' made in this area over the past two years. They also praised the courage of officers who put themselves at risk to keep London safe, whether on or off duty.
Meanwhile, the investigation technically remains ongoing, with the second suspect still on bail pending further laboratory work. Mr Donovan, who left the Met in March 2023 and now works as a full-time police officer in the United States, married Princess Raiyah bint Hussein of Jordan in 2020.
His case raises significant questions about police resources, investigative procedures, and victim support within Britain's largest police force, particularly concerning crimes committed against officers themselves when they intervene off-duty.
