The Suffolk Hyde Affair - Doc 62 Suffolk Fire Control Room

Doc 61 was handed over in person by Y’s representative Sub Officer A Wigglesworth to Divisional Officer Graham Smith in the afternoon 8th March 1999.

Divisional Officer Smith was visiting Lowestoft at the time. During this visit he ordered Sub Officer into a meeting with him while Assistant Divisional Officer Bob Wilson acted as a witness. The following is a record of the notes compiled immediately after the meting.

Ordered by ADO Wilson to attend his office to meet with DO. G. Smith. On entry ADO Wilson shuts the door and stands by it. Told to sit down by DO. Smith.

DO Smith
"Sit down."
Sub Officer Wigglesworth

"I will stand if you don’t mind."

DO Smith
"No sit down, this will take a few minutes, I have a few things I want to discuss with you."

Sub Officer Wigglesworth
"Right okay."

DO Smith
"First of all, I been appointed by ACFO K Seager to investigate Sub Officer John Tiffen & Hyde’s behaviour surrounding the latter’s failure to revert when ordered to do so by ADO Saward. I have been told you are representing them."

Sub Officer Wigglesworth
"Hmmm. Yeah I am aware of your appointment to prosecute Ff Hyde & Sub Officer Tiffen. You emm mean the unlawful order to revert don’t you?"

DO Smith
"What do you mean by prosecution?" My role is officially assistant brigade investigating officer."

Sub Officer Wigglesworth
"Prosecution, investigation officer are both the same to me sir. You were responsible for the false case against Eddie Brown weren?t you?"

DO Smith
"I am not going to say anything about that case. You don?t know the full truth about that."

SubO Wigglesworth
" Oh yeah Huhh."

DO Smith
"And what?s this unlawful bit you mentioned. I don?t know what you?re talking about. I have only just begun my investigation and am not fully aware of all the circumstances at the moment."

SubO Wigglesworth
"Well anyway if that?s all you wanted to tell me thanks for that. I will be off. Here?s a letter for you (doc 61). I would appreciate a prompt response please"

DO Smith
"What?s this." Opens envelope and reads.
"What does prima facie mean?"

SubO Wigglesworth
"First appearance, first sight or glance."

DO Smith
"Oh." "I will pass this on to ACFO Seager and ask him to deal with it." "Anyway I just wanted to check out with you about whether the interviews I will be conducting with Hyde and Sub Officer Tiffen can be tape recorded. I am sure you will appreciate that would be best for both sides."

SubO Wigglesworth
"Well I will have to discuss that with Ff Hyde and Sub Officer Tiffen, its up to them."

DO Smith
"Well your representing them surely you can decide."

SubO Wigglesworth
"What, are you serious? Its up to them."

DO Smith
"Yeah I suppose so. Anyway if you can ask them if it?s alright, and then get back to me."

SubO Wigglesworth
"As soon as I speak to them I will get back to you and let you know, in writing."

DO Smith
"Just give me a call at Headquarters."

SubO Wigglesworth
"Nah-no-no-no I will advise you in writing. That’s the normal standard for discipline matters."

DO Smith
"Alright suit yourself. Anyway that’s all for the moment, thanks for your time."

SubO Wigglesworth
Right, thanks then if you could ensure we get a written response to the letter."

DO Smith
"As I said I will pass it on to Ken Seager. Its not for me to comment"