The individual sentenced to a whole-life term for the murder of Metropolitan Police sergeant Matt Ratana has failed in his attempts to contest his conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal.
Sergeant Ratana, aged 54, was fatally shot in the chest and leg at a Croydon custody center by Louis De Zoysa, who had managed to smuggle an antique firearm into the facility after his arrest on September 25, 2020.
De Zoysa was convicted of murder, with his defense of manslaughter based on diminished responsibility being rejected.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley praised Sgt Ratana as an exemplary officer, noting that he treated everyone with dignity, empathy, and humility.
During a previous hearing, De Zoysa’s legal representatives contended that he should be permitted to contest his conviction and sentence, arguing that he was incorrectly assessed as fit to plead and stand trial, and that the whole-life sentence was inappropriate.
In their decision, Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr. Justice Goss, and Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb denied the appeal requests.
Dame Victoria stated, “All applications will be denied, for reasons that will be provided in writing.”
The detailed written explanation for the ruling will be disclosed at a future date.
