ACC 'may have perverted the course of justice' in Anthony Grainger inquiry
A chief officer could face criminal charges over evidence he gave during the investigation into a fatal police shooting.
A report relating to Assistant Chief Constable Steven Heywood’s actions during an inquiry into the death of Anthony Grainger has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it has emerged.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found Mr Heywood may have perverted the course of justice or committed misconduct in public office in relation to information recorded in his police log book.
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) senior officer authorised the operation in which Mr Grainger was shot, and has already been served with a gross misconduct notice.
Detective Chief Inspector Robert Cousen was investigated over similar allegations but no indication was found that he may have committed a criminal offence.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “In reviewing the evidence, we have decided that there is an indication that ACC Heywood may have committed a criminal offence.
“Our report, along with supportive evidence, has been shared with the CPS to consider if the following offences have been committed: perverting the course of justice, and misconduct in public office.
“It is important to note that the threshold for an IOPC referral is much lower than the threshold applied by the CPS when they consider whether to charge someone with a criminal offence.”
Mr Grainger, 36, died in March 2012 after being shot through the windscreen of a vehicle parked in Culcheth, Cheshire.
At the time, he was under observation due to information he was involved in a gang planning to commit a series of armed robberies.
A public inquiry into the death commenced in January last year.
The inquiry heard Mr Heywood added additional information to the mission log after Mr Grainger had been shot.
Mr Heywood denied fabricating details, instead claiming he was adding extra detail.
Det Chief Insp Cousen gave evidence to the inquiry as senior investigating officer.
The IOPC investigations began in summer last year and were completed in April 2018. Its findings have been shared with GMP.
Another investigation into GMP’s contact with Mr Grainger was completed in July 2013.
A force spokesperson said it is considering the reports, adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
