Lockdown professor Neil Ferguson WON’T face police probe despite breaching rules to see married lover
SHAMED Professor Neil Ferguson will NOT face a police probe for breaking coronavirus lockdown measures to see his married lover - despite calls from MPs.
The government adviser stepped down after it emerged he had broken the rules while lecturing the public on the need for strict social distancing.
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Matt Hancock led calls for the scientist to face police action for the blunder - but Scotland Yard confirmed today they will not launch an investigation.
They said: "We remain committed to our role in supporting adherence to Government guidance and have made it clear that our starting position is explaining the need to follow the regulations with anyone who is in breach in order to keep people safe and protect the NHS.
"It is clear in this case that whilst this behaviour is plainly disappointing, Professor Ferguson has accepted that he made an error of judgement and has taken responsibility for that.
"We therefore do not intend to take any further action."
The Health Secretary slammed Prof Ferguson, 51, after The Telegraph revealed he allowed married Antonia Staats, 38, to visit him at home - and admitted he would back the cops if they chose to fine him.
He added: "It’s a matter for the police.
"I think the social distancing rules are very important and people should follow them."
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Mr Hancock was asked whether the cops should pay a visit to Professor Ferguson's home - after Scotland's Chief Medical Officer got a warning for breaking lockdown rules to visit her second home, twice.
He replied: "Absolutely, I back the Scottish police, the English police... They will take their decisions independently of ministers."
Boris Johnson also said he agreed with the decision made by Prof Ferguson to step down from his role after breaking social distancing.
But commenting on the police choosing not to prosecute, a Downing Street spokesman said: "Police have obviously looked at it to be able to issue a statement.
"You can see what they have said and I don't have anything to add to it."
Ms Staats travelled to Prof Ferguson's house from her £1.9million home in South London on March 30 then again on April 8.
She lives with her husband and their two children in a £1.9million home but are understood to be in an open marriage.
Disgraced Prof Ferguson today quit - saying that he accepted he had made an "error of judgement and took the wrong course of action".
The 51-year-old leads the team at Imperial College London that handed a bombshell piece of research to the government that said failing to take drastic action would cause 250,000 deaths and overwhelm the NHS.
The first meeting between the pair coincided with a public warning by Prof Ferguson the lockdown measures would need to stay in place until June.
She made a second trip on April 8 despite telling friends she suspected her husband - an academic in his thirties - had coronavirus symptoms.
In a statement, Prof Ferguson told the Telegraph: "I have therefore stepped back from my involvement in Sage [the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies].
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"I acted in the belief that I was immune, having tested positive for coronavirus, and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms.
"I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic.
"The Government guidance is unequivocal, and is there to protect all of us."
Ms Staats declined to comment.
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