Shivangi Sinha
One of the most pivotal testimonies during the trial of the Millennium Dome heist came from David Wearing. Not only was he a Metropolitan Police officer assigned to patrol the Dome at the time, but he was also the brother-in-law of Ray Betson, one of the central figures behind the attempted robbery. While the latter claimed that Wearing had willingly cooperated with the group, the evidence showed otherwise. Wearing was revealed to be an honest officer who acted with integrity despite the difficult position he was placed in. In Netflix’s ‘The Diamond Heist,’ Wearing opened up about the experience and the complex situation he was forced to navigate.
Michael Wearing Alleged He Was Threatened by Ray Betson
In 1999, Michael Wearing was assigned to the patrol team at the Millennium Dome while working with the Metropolitan Police in Greater London. He recalled it as a relatively uneventful assignment with little excitement. When he received complimentary tickets to visit the Dome, he gave them to his wife, who went along with her sister and her brother-in-law, Ray Betson. At the time, the latter allegedly introduced himself as a property developer. Wearing said he had no reason to doubt him and assumed he was just a regular, respectable individual. However, things took a turn later when Ray approached him with a proposition. According to Wearing, he allegedly offered him €250,000 in exchange for confidential information about the Dome’s security setup.
In November 2001, during the trial of the Millennium Dome heist, Wearing appeared as a witness for the prosecution. He firmly testified that he had played no part in the planning or execution of the robbery. He stated that he felt intimidated and threatened by Ray and acted only out of fear for his own safety and that of his family. In contrast, the latter claimed that it was actually Wearing who had betrayed the group and alleged that the police officer had deliberately sabotaged their plan in hopes of gaining recognition for being involved in a high-profile case. Despite these allegations, Wearing was never charged with any wrongdoing, and his testimony proved to be a key element in securing the convictions of those involved.
Michael Wearing is Following His Passion For Filmmaking Today
Michael Wearing served with the Metropolitan Police Service for nearly three decades, having joined in 1976 and retiring in 2007. Reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude for the stability and fulfillment it brought him. After his retirement, he transitioned into a community-focused role, working as the Community Safety Coordinator for the Bexley Council. However, his interests extended beyond public service, particularly toward creative endeavors. Even before his official retirement, Wearing had already begun exploring this side of himself. In 2004, he became an Executive Producer at Pointless Taxi Productions, a role he continued until 2018. Throughout this period, he remained involved in various other creative and professional ventures.
In July 2012, Wearing took on the role of Head of Production at Pixelform Studios, where he remained until May 2014. Following that, he stepped into a new chapter as the CEO of That’s Belion Film Production, Ltd. His passion for storytelling and community engagement continued to grow, culminating in the publication of his book ‘How to Reduce Crime and Catch Criminals’ in 2020.
One of Wearing’s most meaningful achievements has been his longstanding dedication to the Rob Knox Film Festival, which he ran from 2008 until 2022 in honor of the late actor Rob Knox. More recently, he served as the writer and co-producer of ‘Blood Orange Retribution,’ his debut feature. Now fully immersed in the arts, he works as a freelance actor and writer. Since July 2022, he has also held the position of Publicity Manager at West Sussex Writers. Having fully embraced his creative path, he continues to explore new avenues of expression with passion and purpose.
Michael Wearing’s Kids Have Been a Source of Immense Happiness For Him
Michael Wearing shared a long and loving marriage with Helen Foster Wearing, whom he wed on September 28, 1991. However, in February 2023, Michael faced a devastating loss when Helen passed away after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Her passing marked an incredibly difficult chapter in his life, as she had always been his greatest cheerleader, especially when it came to his creative pursuits in filmmaking. When work began on his most recent film, his wife’s absence was felt even more profoundly. Wearing reflected on how much it would have meant for her to witness that milestone, knowing how invested and supportive she had always been. He has openly shared that not a day goes by without thinking of her. He continues to honor her memory and keep her close to his heart in every possible way.
Michael Wearing’s two children, Isobel Chiming and Michael Wearing Jr., have been unwavering pillars of support throughout his life, especially during the most difficult times. Their constant presence and encouragement have meant the world to him, and he takes immense pride in all that they do. He was especially moved when his son ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon in honor of his late wife, raising funds for Target Ovarian Cancer. Now residing in London, Wearing finds comfort and purpose in the quiet rhythm of life. While he remains passionately immersed in his creative work, his moments of peace are often spent tending to his beautiful home garden. In March 2024, his world was further brightened by the arrival of his first grandchild, a granddaughter named Róisín. This new addition to his family has been filling his days with renewed hope and love.
Read More: John “Swini” Swinfield: What Happened to the Ex-Flying Squad DCI?
