The grieving partner of an anti-racism campaigner killed by a police officer said she felt violated - and did not understand why she was spied on.
Celia Stubbs, 80, told the Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) that officers abused their surveillance powers. to protect themselves from facing justice .
Blair Peach, a teacher and trade unionist, died aged 33 after being hit by an officer during a protest in Southall, west London, on April 24 1979.
The demonstration came amid tensions arising from the National Front mounting a general election campaign that year.
Ms Stubbs said the improper surveillance on her was particularly unpleasant because it took place when she was grieving for Mr Peach and trying to campaign for justice for him.
Undercover officers spied on a humanist group in Lewisham between 1972 and 1983 as they engaged in “political policing”, an inquiry has heard. The Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) is examining the past work of two secretive police units after condemnation of their tactics, which saw them target groups perceived to be left-wing. Revelations that women were tricked into sexual relationships with officers and police spies had used the identities of dead children without their families’ permission have sparked public outrage.
Retired judge Sir John Mitting is chairing the inquiry The latest series of hearings in the inquiry, which began on Wednesday, is examining the activities of the Metropolitan Police Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) between 1972 and 1983.
The mammoth Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) started on Wednesday
It will look into at the activities of the Met s Special Demonstration Squad (SDS)
For around 20 years, the practice of using dead children s identities became embedded in a secret police unit, Heather Williams QC said at inquiry on Friday
She said relatives who had seen the callous misuse of their loved ones identities wanted to know if the abuse was necessary, or served a purpose
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