Met Police Admit Mishandling Investigation of Journalist Over Jason Arday Plagiarism Case

London’s Metropolitan Police opened a four‑month investigation into Times Higher Education reporter Jack Grove after he contacted Cambridge professor Jason Arday about alleged plagiarism. Detectives concluded there was no case, yet instructed Grove not to contact Arday, citing the professor’s alleged mental‑health concerns. Grove was only informed of the closed investigation when the Met later notified him.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley publicly said the force “dropped the ball” and should not have pursued the journalist. The probe followed Arday’s resignation amid accusations that he plagiarised parts of his PhD, falsified his academic record and exaggerated his sporting and charitable achievements. Police officials acknowledged the investigation was unnecessary and mishandled.

The episode has sparked criticism of police priorities and raised concerns about press freedom and public confidence in law‑enforcement practices.