[2025] EWHC 2684 (KB)

In relation to the interview of Mr Cooper on 1^st September DS Brownsell stated:

“I still recall to this day an opening comment made by Mr. Cooper to the effect that whistleblowers did not last long in the NHS. I inferred from that comment this although Mr. Cooper had indicated he was willing to be interviewed, he may not tell us everything he knew for fear of potential consequences. I also clearly recall Mr. Cooper advising us in terms of the investigation to “follow the money”. He repeated this phrase at the end of the interview process.”

DS Brownsell also set out that:

“Mr. Cooper stated that Andrew Breeze wanted the best for patient care and that extra staffing was no problem.”

Also

“Mr. Cooper stated that whistle blowing was an act of revenge. He said that Mr Deveney was not going to go quietly once he knew that he would be dismissed. Mr. Cooper stressed that Andrew Breeze, Dominic Wilson and David Prior when men of integrity.”

Such observations were of significance if Mr Cooper was ever going to be called as a witness as they revealed very clearly where his loyalties lay. As for extra care DS Brownsell stated:

“He stated again that he did not know what extra care was aimed at, what it was, how it was delivered or who had it, he stated that no one came to him asking for extra staff under the auspices of extra care.”