A former head of a police watchdog has hit again at media protection of the investigation into Nicola Bulley’s disappearance, following criticism of the feminine detective main the seek for the lacking mother-of-two.
Zoe Billingham, who beforehand served as His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, informed Sky News she was “really disturbed” by protection that centered on what Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith was sporting and what her hair seemed like.
“We’ve talked a lot about misogyny and sexism [in recent days] but one of the things that’s really disturbed me over the last day or two is the abuse frankly that the senior investigating officer has herself been exposed to,” she mentioned.
“[She’s a] very competent and able detective, a superintendent, but the media has been poring over what she wore at the press conference, what her hair looked like: this is the 21st century isn’t it? I think Lancashire Police and the detective superintendent in charge should now be able to get on with their job.”
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It follows criticism of a tweet by Daily Mail columnist Amanda Platell, who posted {a photograph} of DS Smith at a information convention on Wednesday.
She wrote: “Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith at press conference yesterday – skin tight navy dress, stilettos, poker straightened hair – whatever happened to a cop uniform! Or is she auditioning for Love Island for midlifers. Show some respect for a missing mother!”
Ms Platell’s remarks sparked a backlash on social media.
Michelle Skeer, the Chief Constable of Cumbria, tweeted: “I wouldn’t normally comment on such poor journalism but this is an absolutely disgraceful comment about a professional senior female police colleague – I did wonder what decade I was in!”
Her counterpart at North Wales Police, Amanda Blakeman, additionally weighed in, saying: “With such a serious investigation ongoing & a family appealing for help rather than judgment, the ‘reporting’ turns to wardrobe selection! This dedicated and professional officer is out there working through a complex investigation.
“Misogynistic feedback like this haven’t any place”.
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Andrew Snowden, police commissioner for the force conducting the investigation, tweeted that Ms Platell’s comments were a “excellent instance of worst of what has occurred in elements of media across the delicate & complicated seek for Nicola Bulley”.
He added: “Superintendent Smith is a detective so does not put on uniform. She’s additionally extra on her thoughts than what a clickbait journalist thinks of her selection of workplace put on.”
Meanwhile, the daddy of lacking Ms Bulley has mentioned that “every day is a struggle” because the household waits for information.
The 45-year-old disappeared on 27 January whereas strolling her canine within the village of St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire.
Source: information.sky.com”