Murderer of Met Police Custody Sergeant Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

Louis De Zoysa, 25, was found guilty by a jury at Northampton Crown Court on July 22, 2021.

He had denied the charge, insisting the shooting happened during the course of an “autistic meltdown.” On the night of the shooting, De Zoysa had fired four shots at Sergeant Ratana, who was struck in the chest by one of the shots.

De Zoysa had failed to disclose the gun tucked under his arm during his initial detention by police, who found ammunition and cannabis but missed the antique pistol.

During the trial, De Zoysa was allowed to communicate through a whiteboard and marker pen, and a simplified list of questions was drawn up to enable him to give his evidence.

The case was moved from the Old Bailey to Northampton to be closer to the secure hospital where De Zoysa is receiving treatment for the stroke and brain damage he suffered during the incident.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, praised the courage of the officers on duty during the incident and said that more lives would have been lost without their bravery.

The Met Police released CCTV footage of Louis De Zoysa, who was later found guilty of murder, pointing a gun at Sergeant Matt Ratana in a police holding cell.

De Zoysa shot Ratana once in the chest at close range without warning.

De Zoysa claimed he didn't intend to fire the gun, blaming it on a "panic attack".

The Independent Office for Police Conduct recommended all police vehicles be equipped with handheld metal detectors.

Two officers who searched De Zoysa will not face disciplinary proceedings.

De Zoysa was commended for his bravery in trying to disarm him.

De Zoysa was living in a flat in Banstead and gave evidence in his defence.

He said he has hypermobility and suffered violence at home from his father.

Tributes poured in for Ratana, a 29-year policing veteran who moved to the UK from New Zealand.

A memorial was unveiled to remember Ratana's legacy.

A beloved Met police officer, Sgt.

Matteo (Matt) Ratana, was killed during the course of a trial for his murder.

The details of his death were harrowing for his colleagues, who have expressed their satisfaction with the justice served in the case.

The killer is expected to pay the heaviest price for murdering a police officer and is hoped to spend the rest of his life in custody.

The Metropolitan Police detectives who worked on the case are being praised for their painstaking work.

The thoughts of the police force are with Sgt.

Ratana's partner, family, and friends, both locally and internationally.

The good memories of Matt and his legacy will continue to live on.