Keystone cops
GEORGE STAPLE has something to learn. From the ordered calm of Clifford Chance, the lawyers, he has been plucked to preside over the Serious Fraud Office and has at once been asked why his dawn raids on the Maxwells happened to be watched by television cameras. Were they tipped off? Time to stamp on the practice, says Jonathan Caplan, QC, for the Bar Council. Sheer coincidence, Mr Staple protests — those cameras were there because the Maxwells are in the public eye. Come off it, George. How much do you think television crews cost? Who would be so spendthrift as to keep them on 24-hour shifts outside the Maxwells' homes, waiting to film the lady of the house if she told them to piss off? Of course Mr Plod likes to get his picture on screen and in the papers. It makes him look busy and effective, and he may think the publicity helps his case. Mr Staples should tell him that showman- ship does not sit easily with justice.
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