Police are reviewing whether “homophobic assumptions” influenced the handling of an investigation into the death of a gay man after watchdog findings raised concerns about how the case was treated.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ordered Hertfordshire Police to examine whether prejudice may have played a role in its response to the death of Scott Gough, 56, who died at his home in Chandler’s Cross, near Watford, in March 2024.
A coroner concluded that Gough took his own life on 29 March 2024, a day after he allegedly received a note that investigators are now examining as part of a potential blackmail inquiry.
Gough’s partner, Cameron Tewson, has spent more than two years campaigning for a fuller investigation, arguing that police failed to properly explore evidence suggesting Gough may have been targeted by a gang operating on the dating app Grindr.
“From the beginning, it’s been a case of banging my head against a wall, making phone calls and sending emails to try and get officers to take this seriously,” Tewson said.
“It’s always one step forward and two steps back. In many ways, I feel I’ve never had a chance to grieve.”
The IOPC found that Hertfordshire Police made errors and “did not fully investigate” Gough’s death. The watchdog also concluded that the force added to Tewson’s distress by failing to respond to complaints promptly.
The review follows concerns that assumptions about Gough’s sexuality may have affected the direction of the original investigation. As part of its findings, the IOPC instructed the force to consider whether “homophobic assumptions” played a role in decisions made by officers.
The night before his death, Gough reportedly received a handwritten note bearing a telephone number and the message: “I think it’s in your best interests to give me a call.”
Tewson has argued that the note should have prompted a more thorough investigation into the possibility of blackmail.
A separate BBC investigation uncovered multiple suspected blackmail cases involving users of Grindr in the local area, including at least four incidents allegedly linked to the same group.
Responsibility for reviewing the case has now been handed to Bedfordshire Police, which is overseeing further enquiries and assessing whether a new criminal investigation should be launched.
Tewson said he is now being kept informed about developments in the case.
In a statement, Hertfordshire Police expressed its condolences to Gough’s family and partner and said it was committed to supporting LGBTQ+ communities.
“The reinvestigation finalised by Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Professional Standards Department into Mr Tewson’s complaint found that a blackmail investigation should have been considered and the constabulary has sought an independent review of the original investigation,” the force said.
It added that Bedfordshire Police is carrying out that review and would also take responsibility for any new investigation deemed necessary.
“Hertfordshire Constabulary remains dedicated to learning to ensure that officers understand specific issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community,” the force said.
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