Back in January, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) issued gross misconduct notices against Assistant Chief Constable Steven Heywood and Detective Chief Inspector Robert Cousen, the two Greater Manchester Police officers at the centre of the public inquiry into the fatal shooting of Salford's Anthony Grainger in March 2012 (see previous Salford Star article – click here).
Today, the IOPC referred its report on Steven Heywood to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following an investigation into evidence given by him at the public inquiry into the shooting, while deciding that "there is no indication that DCI Cousen may have committed a criminal offence"...
The IOPC stated: "Our investigation looked at the evidence given by Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Steven Heywood at the inquiry, particularly in relation to how he recorded information in his police log book. In reviewing the evidence, we have decided that there is an indication that ACC Heywood may have committed a criminal offence.
"Our report, along with supportive evidence, has been shared with the CPS to consider if the following offences have been committed: perverting the course of justice, and misconduct in public office" it added "It is important to note that the threshold for an IOPC referral is much lower than the threshold applied by the CPS when they consider whether to charge someone with a criminal offence."
This afternoon, Anthony Grainger's family welcomed the decision but added, via their solicitors, Farleys, "Anthony's family have expressed concerns throughout about the conduct of the Police in the lead up to the shooting, at the time of Anthony's death and in the manner in which it was subsequently investigated.
"They welcome the involvement of the CPS but otherwise await the final report of the Chairman to the Inquiry and would say nothing further at this stage, placing their trust in the Chairman and the CPS" the statement ended.
Meanwhile, the IOPC reflected that it would consider publishing its findings from its investigations "following the publication of the findings of the public inquiry into Mr Grainger's death, and the conclusion of any related proceedings"...
For a full background see previous Salford Star article and follow the links – click here
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