Eco-spy used sex as a ploy, claims ex-lover

Police chiefs are facing calls for an inquiry into the actions of an undercover officer who infiltrated eco-protest groups after claims he used sexual relationships to gather information.

Former Met officer Mark Kennedy worked undercover for seven years and is said to have had close relationships with a number of women involved in the protest movement.

One said she felt "violated" after discovering that he had been a police officer. She told the Guardian: "He had so many friends and relationships with people in the movement that I'm questioning whether this was a tactic - or part of his task - to become more trusted or respected within the scene.

"In a general sense, there is the feeling that if somebody was being paid to have sex with me, that gives me a sense of having been violated."

Mr Kennedy was seconded to Nottinghamshire police to work on an operation targeting activists who were planning a protest against the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station.

A trial of six protesters accused of conspiring to shut down the power station collapsed this week after Mr Kennedy told the defence he was willing to give evidence on their behalf. He left the Met in March last year and returned to work undercover for a private firm when his identity was discovered in October.

Mr Kennedy, 40, is said to be married with children and is rumoured to have moved abroad.

A leading member of the Met's watchdog today called for an inquiry into his actions.

Cindy Butts of the Metropolitan Police Authority said: "I don't think 'by any means necessary' should be the modus operandi [for undercover officers] at all. There should be a review. I expect questions on all aspects of this case, including these [sexual] allegations."

She added: "It would be irresponsible for an organisation to be encouraging this type of behaviour."

The Association of Chief Police Officers is expected to launch a review of Mr Kennedy's actions. Both the Met and Acpo have declined to comment.