Hertfordshire Police have been instructed to reinvestigate the suicide of Scott Gough, a 56-year-old car dealership executive, after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found the initial investigation was mishandled and potentially tainted by homophobia.
Gough was found dead at his home on March 29, 2024, a day after a group of men allegedly left a threatening note at his door. The note, addressed to the owner of a new white Range Rover, instructed him to call them. Gough, who was head of business for a Jaguar Land Rover dealership, had recently acquired the vehicle.
His partner, Cameron Tewson, discovered Gough the following day and noted a handwritten will. An inquest determined the cause of death was asphyxiation. Tewson believes Gough was targeted for blackmail after being contacted on the gay dating app Grindr.
The initial inquiry by Hertfordshire Police concluded within weeks, citing a lack of evidence. This decision was made despite the identification of suspects who were reportedly spoken to but remain at large. An internal professional standards report initially cleared the force of any wrongdoing, including homophobic bias.
Tewson appealed to the IOPC, which reviewed the case and concluded the investigation had been flawed, noting that the threshold for blackmail charges appeared to have been met. The watchdog also identified an "unclear rationale" behind some of the police's actions and has now directed the force to re-examine whether homophobic bias influenced the probe.
Tewson expressed that the IOPC's decision represents a "victory" after a two-year effort to have the case taken seriously. He criticized the initial investigation for its lack of open-mindedness and failure to thoroughly investigate the motive behind Gough's death.
During the original investigation, detectives reportedly failed to examine Gough's laptop and did not conduct DNA tests on the threatening note or discarded rubbish found near where the suspects allegedly parked their car. The note was reportedly destroyed in March 2025, after Gough's inquest ruled his death a suicide. Tewson has received permission to pursue a judicial review of the inquest.
While police identified suspects by linking the phone number on the note to two other alleged blackmail incidents on Grindr occurring shortly after Gough's death, they reportedly issued the individuals with "stern words of advice" rather than pursuing arrests or formal interviews.
Tewson alleges that the investigation's perceived shortcomings were partly fueled by homophobic assumptions. He recounted officers making comments about the 25-year age gap in his relationship with Gough and suggesting reasons for suicide such as illness, financial issues, or pedophilia.
Tewson has also urged Grindr to implement user verification to mitigate risks associated with fake profiles and potential exploitation. Grindr has stated it was saddened by Gough's death and is reviewing ways to mitigate risks for its users, while emphasizing that criminal conduct is the responsibility of perpetrators.
Hertfordshire Constabulary has reiterated its condolences and confirmed that a new investigator, with senior oversight, will re-examine Tewson's recent complaints. Bedfordshire Police is conducting an independent review of the circumstances surrounding Gough's death, and will initiate a new investigation if deemed necessary.