Tragic PC Matt Ratana shot lifeless with vintage revolver homicide trial hears

Northampton Crown Court was instructed that Met Police officer Matt Ratana was killed by considered one of 4 bullets fired by Louis De Zoysa, in an incident captured on CCTV at a custody block in Croydon, south London.

Opening the case in opposition to De Zoysa on Wednesday, prosecutor Duncan Penny KC stated the 25-year-old had been taken to a holding cell after being discovered with seven rounds of ammunition in London Road, Norbury, south London, at evening on September 25, 2020.

At the beginning of his opening speech, Mr Penny defined that he can be talking briefly sentences due to communication difficulties skilled by De Zoysa, who suffered mind injury after the fourth bullet struck him within the neck.

The prosecutor instructed the jury: “On Friday the 25th of September 2020, Louis De Zoysa shot dead Sergeant Matthew Ratana in a holding room.”

“Louis De Zoysa pulled the trigger on purpose twice when he was pointing the gun at Sergeant Ratana.”

“In total, the prosecution say Louis De Zoysa pulled the trigger on purpose four times.”

The jury was instructed De Zoysa, of Banstead, Surrey, was stopped by the police in Norbury, was searched by law enforcement officials on the road, put in handcuffs and located to be “carrying cannabis and seven rounds of ammunition”.

Mr Penny instructed the jury of seven males and 5 ladies: “The police officers did not find that Louis De Zoysa was carrying a loaded revolver in a holster.”

“The gun and holster were probably concealed under one of his armpits.”

After his arrival on the custody facility in Windmill Road, Croydon, De Zoysa was was taken to a holding cell, the courtroom heard.

“Louis De Zoysa kept the gun hidden,” Mr Penny stated. “Louis De Zoysa was put in a holding room. Louis De Zoysa was still handcuffed.”

“He was able to point the gun Sergeant Ratana. He deliberately shot Sergeant Ratana once to the chest, at very close range. He did not give a warning.”

Before displaying the jury CCTV of De Zoysa’s actions earlier than he was detained in Norbury, Mr Penny stated different officers on the custody block “were not able to stop” De Zoysa, whose first bullet prompted a deadly harm to the left lung and coronary heart of Sgt Ratana.”

Mr Penny said: “Three additional pictures had been fired through the battle with officers that adopted. The prosecution say the second shot was one other deliberate shot at Sergeant Ratana.”

“The fourth shot prompted extreme and life-threatening harm to Louis De Zoysa.”

The defendant was 23 when the shooting happened and was living in a flat at a farm in Banstead, having bought the gun, which was legal to own due to its antique status, on the internet in June 2020.

Bullets of the correct calibre for the gun are no longer made, Mr Penny said, but De Zoysa “purchased the elements to make the bullets” and made ammunition at the farm.

Mr Penny alleged: “Louis De Zoysa knew the gun labored with the bullets he had made.”

De Zoysa, who appeared within the dock in a wheelchair and along with his proper arm in a sling, denies homicide.