‘I don’t think she could make this up. I just got a hit on a George Ripley aged fifty. Previous conviction for robbing a jeweller’s when he was twenty-six and his co-defendant was Graham Smith, then aged twenty-four. Both men used hammers to threaten the staff and smash open the glass jewellery showcases – they both got ten years in Pentonville. They’ve also got form for handling stolen goods, theft and burglary. George Ripley’s been off the radar since the robbery, but Smith got nicked two years ago for assault on a customer while working at GR Motors. He claimed self-defence and was found not guilty. He fits the age, hair colour and height range from Fiona Simpson for the man driving the getaway car. The mugshot taken when he was charged with the assault is remarkably like her artist’s impression.’

Jane watched Murphy’s eyes widen when he looked at the mugshot. He then handed it to Kingston who, for the first time during the meeting, had something to say.

‘Simpson also said he’s got long sideburns, which he clearly has in this photo. If it wasn’t for Tennison interviewing the Wilson sisters, we’d still be chasing our tails.’

There were nods and mutters of agreement around the room, but Murphy remained stone-faced. Jane now realised Kingston’s warning about Murphy had been genuine and gave him a grateful smile. Kingston gave her a quick nod in return, then turned to Murphy.

‘It might be best if Jane spoke to the Wilsons and asked about their parents before we make any judgement.’

‘Fine, but with another officer present.’

‘You could always consider re-interviewing Rachel Wilson with a court-approved sign language interpreter present,’ Kingston suggested.

Murphy frowned. ‘I’ll think about it, if and when we need her as a court witness. For now just find out more about her family background.’

‘Jane, did you say Rachel Wilson reckoned George Ripley said the name “Judge”?’ Stanley asked.

She looked in her pocket notebook.

‘Yes, he picked up the pepper pot, then slid it across the table as if it represented a vehicle and said, “Once I’ve robbed the van, Judge pulls up here, we fuck off and change motors up the road.”’

Stanley grinned. ‘A common nickname for someone called Smith is “Smudge” or “Smudger”. Maybe she lip-read Smudge as Judge.’

Kingston had more to add.

‘Another positive is the Graham Smith mugshot. We can put it into an album for Fiona Simpson to view at the Yard. If she picks him out it’s a massive leap forward, as we’ll have one of the gang positively identified.’

‘I want Fiona Simpson taken up the Yard tomorrow morning,’ Murphy said. ‘It’s Sunday, so she won’t be opening up until midday – plenty of time to get her up there and back.’