by Bethany Rielly

THE ex-wives of spycops say that they were “exploited” by the police and still face a “profound ongoing psychological impact” after learning the reality of their husbands’ deployments. 

Speaking on behalf of three former wives of spycops, Angus McCullough QC claimed that the families were not only deceived but also exploited by the Metropolitan Police’s top-secret special demonstration squad (SDS). 

He told the undercover policing inquiry today that as part of the recruitment process for the SDS, officers who were married were allegedly specifically sought out so as to keep them grounded. 

“They [the families] were both an integral part of the process and exploited by it,” he said. 

During their husbands’ deployments the women lived with the fear of reprisals and burden of secrecy, “but they believed that their sacrifices were worth it for the cause.” 

They were led to believe that their partners were targeting violent criminals or extremists, not infiltrating protest movements that posed no risk to them or their children. 

“Years later they found out that their marriages were based on lies, that their husbands’ jobs — of which they had been so proud — had been vehicles for the worst kind of infidelity,” he said. 

“They have been left to reconstruct their lives, and those of their children, forever tainted by their connection with men who have behaved so appallingly. What once brought them pride, now brings them shame and fear.”

None of the women knew that their husbands were also having sexual relationships until the launch of the inquiry in 2014. 

The three are seeking answers about the role they played in their husband’s selection to the SDS and an apology from the Metropolitan Police.