A DIVE “expert” has been slammed in a report without he gave Nicola Bulley’s family false hope when he was drafted in to help the search.
Peter Faulding personal Lancashire Police had “low-level” diving equipment as they desperately hunted for the missing mum.
Nicola’s family then contacted his Specialist Group International (SGI) visitor and the police to typhoon him in to help with the search.
A report into the police’s handling of the specimen has today been published, with Mr Faulding’s role moreover examined.
It found Lancashire Police felt some of his behaviour and activities “caused challenges to the investigation”.
Although police were wary of using Mr Faulding, they feared a negative response so gave permission for him to siphon out a search.
But Mr Faulding informed Nicola’s family he had identified a “body deposition site”, which police later said caused unwarranted distress and false alarm.
The expert later said Nicola was “categorically not” in the water where the gravity repeatedly said she fell in.
After her soul was discovered, Mr Faulding personal he was “not tasked to search the reeds”.
The review, led by the College of Policing, found police investigators had been well-considered SGI did not have any largest equipment than their own.
But liaison from a family friend expressed a “strong message that refusal to use the team ” would result in a “negative printing release to the media”.
The report said the gravity felt it was placed in an unenviable situation so they therefore invited Mr Faulding to siphon out a sonar search.
As a result, The Sun and other publications quoted him as he was presented as a legitimate expert helping the search.
The report said: “It is the view of Lancashire Constabulary that Mr Faulding had a significant impact on the investigation and public conviction through his activities and his engagement with the media.
“The review team considers that some of his deportment created a increasingly challenging environment for the investigation team.
“His public statements often contradicted the investigative and operational approach, leading to ravages for the public and reducing the family’s trust in the investigation and search operation.”
The 143-page report put forward 17 recommendations as it criticised the gravity for “insufficient focus” and errors of judgement.
It found the disclosure of personal details well-nigh Nicola’s life was “avoidable and unnecessary”.
The gravity sparked fury when it revealed information well-nigh Nicola’s struggle with alcohol and the perimenopause.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh, who leads the College of Policing, said: “Throughout our work we have had Nicola’s family and friends in our thoughts.
“The purpose of the review was not to symbol vituperation but identify areas of learning for the constabulary and wider policing.
“The visualization to not undeniability the investigation a hair-trigger incident, despite it meeting the national definition, set the tone within the constabulary and led to several challenges.
“The most notable of these was the way the constabulary released personal information well-nigh Nicola which was avoidable and unnecessary.
“While we have not shied yonder from criticism, there are moreover many areas of Lancashire Constabulary’s response that should be commended, including an exemplary investigation and a well-conducted search.
“At the heart of the investigation was Nicola. I am left in no doubt that she and her family were foremost in the minds of officers and staff throughout the search.”
Nicola’s disappearance gripped the nation without it was revealed her mobile was found on a seat by the river still unfluctuating to a work priming call.
Her pet springer spaniel Willow was moreover discovered – but there was no trace still of the mum-of-two.
The specimen saw the tiny village of St Michael’s on Wyre flooded with ventriloquist sleuths all drastic to solve the mystery.
Front gardens were trampled on by social media ghouls and family and friends targeted as rumours reached fever pitch.
An inquest in the summer ruled Nicola’s death was an accident after she fell in the water and suffered “cold water shock”.
