Paralysed and brain-damaged ‘cop killer’ may never be brought to trial

THE man alleged to have shot dead police Sergeant Matt Ratana has been left paralysed and brain damaged — and will not be prosecuted unless his condition improves. It is feared prime suspect Louis De Zoysa, 23, will never be well enough to be charged and brought to trial for the Met officer’s murder. De […]

THE man alleged to have shot dead police Sergeant Matt Ratana has been left paralysed and brain damaged — and will not be prosecuted unless his condition improves.

It is feared prime suspect Louis De Zoysa, 23, will never be well enough to be charged and brought to trial for the Met officer’s murder.

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De Zoysa shot himself in the neck during a struggle with two cops over a revolver he allegedly used to shoot 54-year-old Sgt Ratana[/caption]

De Zoysa shot himself in the neck during a struggle with two cops over a revolver he allegedly used to shoot 54-year-old Sgt Ratana in the chest at Croydon custody centre, South London.

The suspect was handcuffed behind his back at the time after being arrested in the early hours of September 25 on suspicion of possessing ammunition and supplying cannabis.

He later suffered a stroke which has left him paralysed down one side of his body and with significant brain injuries.

De Zoysa’s condition has ­stabilised in hospital and his injuries are no longer life-threatening — but doctors reportedly believe it is unlikely he will ever recover. Police say the suspect is unfit to be interviewed over the ­murder of Sgt Ratana and he has not been arrested.

Crown Prosecution Service lawyers have advised police that De Zoysa cannot be charged in his absence with murder as he is not mentally or physically fit enough to plead or receive and give legal instructions.

A legal source said: ‘”He cannot even be arrested, never mind be charged and prosecuted.”

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Police say the suspect is unfit to be interviewed over the ­murder of Sgt Ratana[/caption]

Former Met Police detective chief inspector Mick Nevill said: “There is no doubt that De Zoysa is currently affected by a significant mental and physical disability and as such he is unlikely to re-offend. On that basis, the CPS will not charge him unless he goes on to make some kind of recovery, which sounds very unlikely.”

The Met has not identified De Zoysa because he has not been charged with any offences.

A CPS spokesperson said: “We continue to assist the police ­following the tragic death of Sergeant Matt Ratana.”

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