IPCC identifies ‘unacceptable’ failings in Atherton shootings

A report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has identified “unacceptable” and “inexcusable” failings in the way Durham Constabulary dealt with a man who shot dead three family members and then himself.

The IPCC released a report to the family of Michael Atherton, who shot his partner Susan McGoldrick, Alison Turnbull, her daughter Tanya and then himself after a row at his Horden home on New Year’s Day.

It found that the police was aware of Mr Atherton’s violent past which included several domestic violence and drink-related incidents dating back to 2002, although the 44-year-old only ever received a caution.

The report, which was not due for release until after an inquest is held next year, concluded that the force failed to properly scrutinise Mr Atherton’s 2006 application for a shotgun certificate and an application for a firearms licence two years later in 2008, and that decisions were taken with only partial facts.

The IPCC report added that senior staff failed to follow-up on concerns voiced about Mr Atherton’s emotional state by subordinates and concluded the resulting lack of consideration given to the welfare of the family and wider public was “inexcusable”.

The report added that further opportunities to reassess Mr Atherton were missed when he applied for a firearms licence in 2008, which allowed him to own more powerful weapons. Shortly after being granted the firearms licence his weapons were seized after a further domestic incident at the family home. However, the IPCC found it “unacceptable” and “inconceivable” that the firearms were returned without Mr Atherton or his family being formally interviewed by licensing staff.

Durham Constabulary said it was aware that the IPCC had updated the victims’ families on the outcome of its investigation and although the report criticised the force’s decision-making process, added that there are no criminal or misconduct cases to answer for any member of the force.

Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks said: “We feel that at this stage it is entirely appropriate that members of staff who made decisions within relevant guidance are not identified, as it is the coroner who addresses issues of anonymity.

“At the conclusion of the inquest, Durham Constabulary will respond in full to all of the issues raised in the IPCC’s report. Since the tragic events in January, we have carried out a full review of policy and procedures. It would be wholly inappropriate to comment further on the outcome of an investigation in advance of the official publication of the findings, and the coroner’s inquest.”

An IPCC spokesperson added: “The report is highly critical of Durham Constabulary and publication of the IPCC’s findings will take place after the inquests. We are unable to comment further on any specific findings at this stage.”

However, the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), criticised the IPCC for effectively allowing its report to be shown to the press months before it is expected to be made public.

It said that despite submitting evidence to the IPCC on the shootings, it has not been shown a copy of the report.

Bill Harriman, BASC’s director of firearms, said: “Our sympathies remain with the families of the victims in this tragedy. The IPCC’s report is of great interest yet it seems to have been discussed with everybody other than people whose certificates may be affected by any subsequent decisions taken by the Government.

“It is in the public interest that the investigation into Durham Constabulary should be fully transparent so that lessons can be learnt for avoiding such tragedies in the future. We are unable to do this if the report is to be officially hidden for up to two years.”

He added that it is “remarkable” that as the largest shooting organisation in the UK, which provided evidence to the IPCC, BASC will have to wait until after the inquest next year to see it.

Mr Harr