Police told to reinvestigate suspected Grindr blackmail death after homophobia claims

Police have been told by the complaints watchdog to re-examine claims of homophobia after making “a few mistakes” in their investigation into the suicide of a man who was allegedly scammed on the dating app Grindr.

Scott Gough was found dead at his home in Hertfordshire two years ago by his partner of 14 years, Cameron Tewson, just a day after a group of men turned up at his home to take his car keys and leave an ominous note.

His death was not investigated as blackmail and was ruled a suicide, despite a report revealing police officers knew the phone number used by the gang was linked to at least four similar cases in Mr Gough’s local area.

After Hertfordshire Constabulary failed to obtain CCTV footage and evidence such as Mr Gough’s laptop and missing DNA, Mr Tewson lodged a complaint blaming discriminatory power and potential homophobic bias.

he said Independent: “Throughout my letters to the police and formal expressions of concern from July 2024 onwards, not a single person seemed willing to seriously consider the issue I was trying to raise: that the issue of homophobia, which I instinctively felt had influenced the handling of Scott’s case.

“There was a constant lack of curiosity and understanding, where my concerns were repeatedly documented but seemingly ignored rather than objectively examined. It felt like a tick-box exercise where institutional advocacy came before actually confronting whether unconscious biases were shaping important decisions.”

“Rather than engaging with these concerns, Scott’s death appeared to be just another statistic, the loss of a person whose case deserved to be fully understood, properly investigated, and treated with the dignity and seriousness it required.”

When the officers were questioned by the Department of Professional Standards, one officer claimed Mr Tewson had a “personal vendetta” against them.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report concluded that the police’s investigation into his complaint was “not reasonable and proportionate” and that they did not properly examine whether Mr Gough’s sexuality affected key investigative decisions.

Before his death, Mr. Gough was an outgoing, fun-loving and adventurous person with interests in cars and cooking and shared a dog called Otis with Mr. Tewson.

On March 28, 2024, the couple received a knock on the door of Mr Gough’s home in Chandler’s Cross with six men demanding to speak to the “owner of the white Range Rover”.

The group left a note that read: “I think it would be in your best interest to call me. Call this number.” Mr Gough insisted he did not know who the men were and after calling the police, the person handling the call determined there was no danger or threat to life.

When he returned from visiting family the next day, Mr Tewson found her dead, with a note left on the upstairs dining table.

Given Mr Gough had previously used Grindr, his partner referred the matter to police but felt they “had a homophobic assumption of a promiscuous lifestyle” and failed to remove key evidence from the property, he said.

Within seven weeks the investigation was closed due to “lack of evidence” and it was ruled a suicide. In July 2024, Mr Tewson lodged a complaint with the Professional Standards Department; The department upheld allegations that police had failed to examine links between other blackmail cases, leading to Mr Gough’s death being under-investigated.

This included the phone number on the handwritten note, which was linked to other extortions reportedly involving Grindr, and that police had identified the suspects and visited them to “give stern advice”.

The report revealed that the police “made many mistakes after his death” [Scott Gough] and I didn’t research [his] as a result of completely sudden death”.

However, as Mr Tewson’s homophobia complaint was not accepted, he referred the case to the IOPC. His allegations include an insensitive conversation just a day after Mr Gough’s death, in which an officer said “people his own age were killing themselves either because of health problems, money problems or pedophilia”.

An investigation by the IOPC concluded that the police force should re-investigate two aspects of the complaint: that the police made “several errors” and did not fully investigate her death, and that “homophobic assumptions may have influenced the investigation”.

A spokesman for the force said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary would like to reiterate its sincere condolences and condolences to Mr Tewson on the loss of his partner Mr Gough.

“The re-investigation completed by the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Professional Standards Department following Mr Tewson’s complaint found that a blackmail investigation should be considered and the force has called for an independent review of the original investigation.

“This is currently being handled by Bedfordshire Police and they will also undertake further investigations if deemed necessary. The progress of any concerns raised as part of Mr Tewson’s complaints is subject to ongoing, high-level oversight.”

The force is committed to supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and has dedicated liaison officers, it added.

A Grindr spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by Scott’s death and offer our sincerest condolences to Cameron and everyone who loved him. Grindr takes user safety seriously.

“Our community guidelines prohibit blackmail, extortion, and other forms of abuse or coercion. Accounts found engaging in this type of behavior may be suspended or permanently removed, including device-level bans.”

If you are experiencing distressed emotions or having difficulty coping, you can talk or email the Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK and ROI). jo@samaritans.orgor visit Samaritans Website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are a US resident and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call or text 988 or visit: 988lifeline.org To access online chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis helpline available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country you can go www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you.