Update: IOPC investigations in relation to the death of Anthony Grainger

20 May 2020 04:48 PM

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced the outcome of the investigation concerning the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer who shot Anthony Grainger.

Mr Grainger was fatally wounded in Cheshire during a police operation in March 2012, and our investigation focusing on the actions of the firearms officer involved, known as Q9, was completed in 2013.

Following the conclusion of the Anthony Grainger Public Inquiry in July 2019, additional evidence arose that was relevant to our investigation of the officer which required further assessment.

IOPC Director of Major Investigations Steve Noonan yesterday explained:  

“Following the Public Inquiry, it was clear we could not – and should not – ignore the new evidence it presented. This, partly, concerned the use of force by the firearms officer known as Q9.

“We determined that this part of the investigation would not need to be reopened. Instead from October 2019 we reviewed the new information, along with our 2013 findings, and produced an addendum – or supplementary – report.  This was completed in May this year.

“There is sufficient evidence to suggest that Q9’s reason for using lethal force was honestly held, and there is no case to answer in respect of their conduct.

“We have informed Mr Grainger’s family and the firearms officer of this outcome. We would like to thank all parties for their patience and understanding as we’ve carried out this necessary additional work.

“The three new investigations in relation to further evidence from the Public Inquiry, which began earlier this year, are ongoing. As a result, we are not in a position to publish the original reports or comment further at this time.”

Outstanding matters:

Ongoing IOPC investigations

The IOPC three new investigations into Greater Manchester Police (GMP), in relation to the death of Anthony Grainger, which began in March 2020.

The conclusion of the Anthony Grainger Public Inquiry in July 2019. In October 2019 GMP made referrals to us in relation to conduct matters arising from Mr Justice Teague QC’s report.

The new investigations did not form part of our original investigations, as this material was presented as live evidence during the public inquiry.

For more information go to: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/news/iopc-begins-new-investigations-rel...

Original IOPC investigations

An IOPC investigation which began in October 2017 looked at the evidence given by former GMP Assistant Constable (ACC), Steven Heywood, at the public inquiry, while he was still a serving officer.

Our investigation found there was an indication that he may have committed a criminal offence. Our report, along with supporting evidence, was shared with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in May 2018. The CPS decided not to charge Mr Heywood with any offence.

We also found that Mr Heywood has a case to answer for gross misconduct. GMP agreed with this in November 2018, and we await a date for the hearing.

A second investigation linked to the inquiry looked at the conduct of Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Robert Cousen, who gave evidence because of his role as the senior investigating officer.

This investigation was completed in May 2018 and our findings were shared with GMP. It was agreed that DCI Cousen’s actions did not amount to misconduct, and this was a performance matter that should be dealt with by management action.

For more information on the investigations relating to the death of Anthony Grainger, go to: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/investigations/anthony-grainger-greater-manchester-police

Access to information about the Anthony Grainger Public Inquiry can be found here: https://www.graingerinquiry.org.uk/