The Suffolk Hyde Affair - Doc 74 DCFO Simon Smith

By way of reference to Doc 67 it will be seen that Firefighter Y’s representative corresponded with DO Graham

Smith re arrangements for the latter to carry out disciplinary interviews.

The last sentence in Doc 67 sent by fax to DO G Smith 16th March 1999 reads,

"Please can you inform me in writing as to your intentions."

DO G Smith failed to acknowledgement, or reply to the contents of Doc 67.

However, at 08.30 hrs 23rd March 1999 DO G Smith contacted Y and Sub Officer John Tiffen’s representative Sub Officer A. Wigglesworth at home. The latter was due to commence duty at 1400 hrs that day.

DO Smith informed Sub Officer Wigglesworth that he would be interviewing Sub Officer Tiffen at 11.00 hrs the interview of Firefighter Y would follow. The interviews would be at Lowestoft Fire Station.

When asked why the short notice and why he had not confirmed these matters in writing his reply was,

"I will be the one who determines how this investigation is going to be run – you will do as your told – like it or lump it."

In response Sub Officer Wigglesworth attended Lowestoft Station off duty at about 10.00 hrs to prepare and discuss matters with SubO Tiffen & Firefighter Y who were both on duty.

At approximately 10.30 hrs DO Smith rang Lowestoft Fire Station to speak to SubO Wigglesworth. He stated that the interviews would not now take place until 1400 hrs. Accordingly SubO Wigglesworth returned home prior to returning to Lowestoft Fire Station for a duty shift at 14.00 hrs.

However, at 12.00 DO Smith & ADO Eddie Meelan arrived at Lowestoft Fire Station. Both Officers met with Sub Officer John Tiffen and suggested that they commence the interview immediately and without Sub Officer Wigglesworth being present as the FBU representative. This was the second occasion on which DO Smith had tried to interview Sub Officer Tiffen without his representative being present. He had tried this on 9th March 1999. Despite this overt challenge, by DO Smith & ADO Meelan, to roller-coaster the interview process SubO Tiffen said he required FBU representation and that he would not be interviewed until 14.00 hrs as was agreed at 10.30 hrs.