Van Colles describe result as 'bitter-sweet'

The parents of murdered London optometrist Giles Van Colle only discovered that their son should have been protected by police four years after his death.

Irwin and Corinne Van Colle, who won their landmark case against Hertfordshire Police last week were speaking to the press following their victory.

The High Court concluded that the force did nothing to protect the 25-year-old practitioner after repeated attempts by his former lab technician employee and eventual killer - Daniel Brougham - to intimidate him in the run-up to Brougham's theft and fraud case.

However, the parents' ordeal may still not be over if the police force involved mounts an appeal against the ruling.

At an emotional press conference following the High Court ruling, Irwin Van Colle said that the 'ugly truth' of the police's inaction leading up to his son's death in November 2000 only became apparent to the couple last June.

Despite their son's car being set on fire - and a phone call by Brougham to Van Colle threatening: 'I know where you live. I know where your businesses are and where your parents live. If you don't drop the charges you will be in danger' - DC David Ridley, the officer in charge of the case, failed to arrest Brougham or offer the optometrist any protection.

'How would you feel about a man who was as much responsible for you son's death as DC Ridley was?' Irwin Van Colle told the Daily Mail (March 11).

Awarded 50,000, as well as receiving a reported 250,000 sum in estimated costs, the Van Colle's said the judgement was 'bitter-sweet' as nothing could bring back their son, and their grief was 'an incurable illness, mentally and physically painful'.

'We believe the unpublished elements in this case require a short public enquiry... so that there can be full accountability.'

During the case the police sergeant involved admitted he had never even considered providing protection for the optician who was to be a key witness in the forthcoming trial against Brougham.

He admitted that if he had followed guidelines he should have arrested Brougham and had his bail revoked and in June 2003 was found guilty of failing to perform his duties diligently, failing to investigate thoroughly the intimidation of witnesses, and of failing to arrest Brougham.

A Hertfordshire Police spokesman said after last week's judgement: 'The Constabulary deeply regret the death of Giles Van Colle, and the Constabulary would like to apologise to the Van Colle family for any mistakes that were made in investigating the threats made to Giles Van Colle.

'Since the time of this case our procedures have changed. Furthermore, we are anticipating further national guidance on witness protection which we will incorporate into our current policies.'

Brougham is currently serving a term of life imprisonment.

*Any reader who would like to contribute to the Giles Van Colle Memorial Foundation should write to Lee Bolton Lee, 1 The Sanctuary, London SW1P 3JT.