BBC CRIMEWATCH

Last night the BBC Crimewatch programme carried a report on the investigation into James McCormick and his fraudulent ADE651 detector.

While the report was far from perfect e.g. failing to credit the BBC Newsnight team (Meirion Jones and Caroline Hawley), or Clinton Rogers of BBC Somerset, who ran reports on the sacm back in 2009, 2010 and 2011, it does add to awareness of this terrible fraud which can only be a good thing.

I am sorry that readers outside the UK will be unable to access the link at BBC iplayer. I will try to see if the report can be uploaded to youtube, and get back with a link if possible.

One of the good aspects of the piece is that it highlights the fact that because the ADE651 was useless, many people, particularly in Iraq, died or were horribly injured where it was widely used.

Of course, McCormick is now serving a jail sentence, and we hope he is reflecting on what misery he caused by his fraud.

The report mentions that, in addition to a case still to be brought against McCormick for recovery of the proceeds of crime, some overseas Governments may be taking civil action against him as well. We await details, but will let you know if we hear more on this. Our fondest hope is that McCormick will be unable to repay his full proceeds of crime, and has his sentence extended. If this does not happen he may be out in five years, and in a position to get his hands on some of his blood money probably stashed with his old friend General Pierre hadji Georgiou of Prosec in Lebanon.

Anyway, here is the report which starts at 45:56

CRIMEWATCH McCORMICK

P.S. Thank you to Anonymous who tipped us of in advance about the Crimewatch coverage!