Kate Maynard acts on complaint over Rachel Nickell inquiry

Who? Kate Maynard, 40, partner in the civil department of City firm Hickman & Rose.

Why is she in the news? Acting for André Hanscombe, who has submitted complaints to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and the Metropolitan Police Authority over the allegedly bungled handling of the investigation into the 1992 murder of his girlfriend, Rachel Nickell.

Robert Napper pleaded guilty to Nickell’s murder on 18 December 2008, some 16 years after the event. ­Detectives wrongly pursued another man, Colin Stagg, for the murder.

Prior to killing Nickell, it is now known, Napper carried out a series of rapes and assaults on women. Hanscombe says that if the police had investigated these offences properly, then Napper would not have been at large for Nickell to become his victim.

Hanscombe says there has been no investigation into the police’s mistakes in these cases and no officers have been disciplined. He has also not been offered any answers, explanations or apologies.

The IPCC has already begun ‘scoping the case’, it says, and is considering how to investigate the complaint. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said the complaint had been received and ‘it is only right that [it] will be properly dealt with’.

Thoughts on the case: ‘According to the evidence I have seen, three murders and up to 80 serious sexual assaults may have been prevented if the police had investigated the crimes committed by Robert Napper diligently and competently. Clearly my client and the other victims are due answers and accountability from those involved in the investigations.’

Dealing with the media: ‘The media have their own agenda, so it is necessary to think strategically to keep the focus on the issues that are important to the client and the particular case. I tend to discuss media strategy with clients in advance of any anticipated publicity.’