The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology and reached a “mutually satisfactory settlement” with the family of Daniel Morgan, a private investigator who was brutally murdered 36 years ago. The apology comes after the police force admitted that the original murder investigation was riddled with corruption, professional incompetence, and defensiveness.

Daniel Morgan, a co-founder of the PI firm Southern Investigations, met a tragic end on March 10, 1987, when he was killed with an axe in the car park of the Golden Lion pub in Sydenham, south-east London. Despite years of investigations, justice had remained elusive for Mr. Morgan’s family.

In response to the family’s relentless pursuit of truth and accountability, they brought a civil claim against the Metropolitan Police. Through a mediation process, the parties reached an agreement, which included the Met admitting liability for the conduct of its officers in response to the murder. The exact terms of the settlement remain confidential, but reports suggest that the force agreed to a £2 million payout to the family.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley issued an unequivocal and unreserved apology, acknowledging the failure of the Metropolitan Police to bring those responsible for Daniel Morgan’s murder to justice. He expressed deep regret for repeatedly and inexcusably letting down the Morgan family throughout the decades-long investigation.

The case surrounding Daniel Morgan’s murder has been marred by a troubling pattern of corruption, professional incompetence, and defensiveness within the police force. Despite successive investigations, the family received empty promises and false hope, with the reputation of the Metropolitan Police seemingly prioritised over transparency and effectiveness.

The pain and suffering endured by the Morgan family over the years is immeasurable, as they fought tirelessly for justice—a fight that no family should have to endure. Their tenacious campaigning brought to light multiple and systemic failings within the organization, exposing the urgent need for change and accountability.

Commissioner Rowley met with the family and listened to their vivid and moving accounts of how these failings have devastated their lives. He acknowledged the erosion of their trust in policing due to the long-standing mishandling of the case.