The head of the Met Police has praised an “outstanding” officer on the day his murderer was sentenced to life behind bars.
Sergeant Matt Ratana was shot and killed by Louis De Zoysa in September 2020, with a jury finding that the gun fanatic deliberately fired at the policeman.
Now, Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has praised Sgt Ratana, from Goring, as someone who made an “enduring impact”, adding that the force will “ensure that he is never forgotten”.
Speaking after De Zoysa was handed a whole life term, Sir Mark said: “Matt dedicated almost 30 years to policing and was nearing retirement when he was tragically murdered. He was an outstanding officer who brought joy to his work, treating everyone with respect, compassion and good humour.
“In the days after his death, tributes flowed in from Matt’s colleagues, from communities he had served and from those who knew him in his life outside policing. They were a testament to the man he was.
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“Whether it was on the street or in a custody centre as a uniformed police officer, or on the rugby field as a player and later a coach, it is clear he was someone who made an enduring impact wherever he went. We will ensure that he is never forgotten.”
Sgt Ratana, 52, who was a rugby player and coach in East Grinstead, died in hospital after being hit twice by homemade bullets fired by De Zoyza in a confined custody cell in Croydon.
De Zoysa, 26, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty by diminished responsibility but a jury found him guilty of murder.
At a sentencing hearing in Northampton Crown Court today, Judge Justice Jeremy Johnson KC told De Zoysa: “He [Sgt Ratana] had devoted his life to public service.
“He put himself in the way of danger to protect the public.
“You have robbed Sue Bushby of their future life together, Diane Peachey of her stepson, Luke Ratana of his father and Jessica Williams and James Young of their brother.”
De Zoysa was handed a life sentence with a whole life term, meaning he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
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