Officer faces charges after shooting case

A SENIOR police officer is facing possible criminal charges over evidence he gave in a fatal shooting case, the police watchdog said yesterday.

An investigation was launched after concerns were raised about evidence given by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Assistant Chief Constable Steven Heywood at a public inquiry into the death of Anthony Grainger, who was fatally shot by a firearms officer in 2012.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has now referred its findings to the Crown Prosecution Service as there is “an indication that Mr Heywood may have committed a criminal offence”.

Some of Mr Heywood’s notes in a log book may have been written after the shooting, it has been claimed, and are not necessarily contemporaneous. He has previously admitted and apologised for his recordkeeping, but strongly denies misleading the inquiry.

“This was not any great conspiracy from Greater Manchester Police,” he told the hearing.

“This is my personal failing as a firearms commander for not doing the paperwork.”

An IOPC spokesman said: “Our investigation looked at the evidence given by ACC Steven Heywood at the inquiry, particularly in relation to how he recorded information in his police log book. In reviewing the evidence, we have decided that there is an indication that Mr 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.”