Force must improve ‘deeply concerning’ licensing team after guns returned to killer

A force has been urged to improve its firearms licensing team after staff returned weapons to a man who went on to kill two women.

Surrey Police seized a shotgun licence and several weapons from dog breeder John Lowe in 2013 but returned them three months later after a threat to kill investigation was discontinued.

The following year, Lowe used one of the guns to murder partner Christine Lee and her daughter Lucy at his puppy farm in Farnham.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found licensing staff failed to take “simple investigative steps” that should have stopped them returning the weapons as they lacked proper training.

Two staff members have cases to answer for misconduct and three officers have been rebuked after they arrested Stacy Banner, the other daughter of Mrs Lee.

Mrs Banner is now threatening to sue Surrey Police over its “devastating” mistakes.

IPCC Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said the investigation painted a “deeply concerning portrait” of the force’s firearms licensing team at the time.

He continued: “We found a unit which lacked the necessary training and processes to manage such a serious responsibility, staffed by individuals who were failing to undertake their duties with rigour and due consideration.

“The licensing of firearms is a responsibility with obvious ramifications if it is not done properly.

“Our recommendations will contribute to a significantly improved function in Surrey, and we hope forces across the country will use this as a catalyst for ensuring their licensing teams are working as effectively as necessary.”

The investigation found licensing staff Stanton Royle and John Crabb did not check the force’s information and intelligence systems or highlight the risks posed by Lowe.

They also failed to consider historic information on Lowe from his firearms file.

Both members of staff were found to have a case to answer for gross misconduct and Mr Crabb was dismissed without notice last year.

Mr Royle retired before a hearing could take place.

Although the team’s manager was blamed for letting “inappropriate practices” develop, the IPCC found he had no case to answer for misconduct.

The IPCC recommended that Surrey Police ensures it has a structured training programme in place for licensing staff and that the unit liaises with officers investigating licence holders.

It also said that medical information must be obtained where necessary, and that the licensing team’s work should be subject to quality assurance reviews.

A separate investigation is examining complaints made by Mrs Banner regarding her treatment by family liaison officers and her arrest on suspicion of stealing a TV from the property.

The IPCC believes two officers have cases to answer for misconduct and one has a case to answer for gross misconduct over her detention.

Mrs Banner now plans to take legal action.

Mrs Banner said: “These reports show that I was right all along about my concerns about Surrey Police’s failings.

“It is devastating to see your worst fears confirmed in black and white about how those entrusted with public safety can abuse and neglect their powers.”

She added: “To then find myself detained overnight contrary to the law, as the report confirms, in the same police station – possible the same cell – where my mum and sister’s killer had been held, beggars belief.”

Responding to the IPCC report, Assistant Chief Constable Helen Collins said: “The safety of the public has always been our primary concern and it was extremely important to us in light of these events, changes were made quickly and efficiently to ensure we could be confident in our decision making process.”

She added: “This has been a tragic case and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the two women who lost their lives.”