Met cop Matt Ratana ‘shot dead by a handcuffed prisoner hiding antique revolver in a holster’
MET cop Matt Ratana was allegedly shot dead by a handcuffed prisoner who was hiding an antique revolver in a holster.
Louis De Zoysa, 25, is said to have blasted the cop four times during a search at Croydon Custody Centre, South London, on September 25, 2020.
Prosecutors say Sgt Ratana was shot while De Zoysa, of Banstead, Surrey, was handcuffed and in a holding cell.
The first bullet hit Sgt Ratana – leaving him with a fatal wound to the chest.
The fourth and final round hit De Zoysa in the neck, causing injuries to himself.
De Zoysa now faces a trial at Northampton Crown Court, which started on Tuesday.
The court heard De Zoysa bought the weapon legally through an online auction and then made bullets to fit it.
He also purchased a leather holster and grips for the gun.
It was missed by police when he was searched in the street in September 2020 and arrested for possessing seven rounds of ammunition and cannabis.
Prosecutor Duncan Penny said CCTV footage showed De Zoysa shooting Sgt Ratana.
Appearing in person for the start of his trial yesterday, De Zoysa sat in a wheelchair and communicated through a whiteboard.
The jury heard De Zoysa is on the autistic spectrum – which “may have an impact on how he appears or behaves” during the trial.
Urging the jury to judge the case on the evidence, Judge Mr Justice Johnson added: “The last [bullet fired] hit the defendant in the neck.
“That resulted in bleeding and a blood clot and the blood clot caused some brain damage.
“That resulted in physical problems which mean he now uses a wheelchair.”