A SPYCOP who stole the identity of a deceased child dismissed the fact that the ghoulish practice caused distress to families, a public inquiry heard today. The former undercover officer, who used the cover name “Michael James,” claimed that it was “immoral” to suggest that the practice posed a moral problem. At least 42 officers are known to have stolen elements of dead children’s identities for their fake profiles, a practice which became embedded in secretive police units that infiltrated protest groups. Bereaved families have said that the abhorrent practice abused the memory of their loved ones, some of whom died when they were babies.