Abuse link denied.

Byline: By Matt Casey 

A council boss has defended a decision to buy a computer system from a company linked to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners of war.

Earlier this month Gateshead Council signed an agreement with Consolidated Analysis Centers (CACI), to provide computer software.

But the Chronicle can reveal CACI's US parent company was caught up in the Iraq prison scandal.

Three employees of CACI's owner, US government contractor CACI International Inc, were accused of contributing to abuse of Iraqi prisoners in Baghdad this summer. The firm later denied its employees were involved.

But a US Army report in August said three civilian interrogators from the company allegedly contributed to the abuse. Gateshead Council chief executive Roger Kelly said: "We knew about the issues relating to CACI's US parent company and sought firm assurances from the CACI UK chief executive.

"We were satisfied CACI Ltd was a totally separate and autonomous business which only provides IT services and products to commercial, local government and NHS organisations in the UK and does not perform military work."

But Ron Beadle, Lib Dem councillor for Low Fell, who was unaware of the contract being signed until he was informed by the Chronicle, called for more openness by officers. He said: "While I'm pleased the council has investigated this particular company we probably need a system to ensure when investigations have been thought necessary that it is reported to elected councillors."

Newcastle City Council has also signed a contract with CACI UK. A spokesman said: "We were unaware of issues relating to the US parent company. However, we understand CACI Ltd is a totally separate and autonomous business."