The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced that a firearms officers who shot Anthony Grainger IN 2012 ‘has no case to answer’ after it reviewed ‘new evidence’ following the conclusion of a public inquiry that finished in July 2019.
Mr Grainger, from Bolton, was sitting in the stolen Audi when he was shot in the chest during an operation by armed police on 3rd March 2012 in Culcheth, Chesire in 2012.
Greater Manchester Police had intelligence to suggest that Grainger was about to commit an armed robbery, but no firearms were found on Mr Grainger or in the stolen vehicle.
Following the Public Inquiry which concluded in July 2019, the IOPC said that new evidence had come to light which was relevant to its investigation of the officer (known as ‘Q9’) who shot Grainger.
IOPC Director of Major Investigations Steve Noonan said:
“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.”
Responding to the IOPC’s findings into officer Q9, GMP said:
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Grainger’s family and partner following the loss of their loved one.”
Eight years on, a total of six officers still remain under IOPC investigation for misconduct over the shooting.
Former Assistant Chief Constable Steven Heywood also faces a gross misconduct case, but a date for the hearing has yet to be set by GMP.
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