Friday, September 12, 2014

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will be investigating Leicestershire Police contact with Christopher Penman prior to his murder in February this year.



Another Leicestershire Police Failing?

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will be investigating Leicestershire Police contact with Christopher Penman prior to his murder in February this year.

Mr Penman's body was found at an address in Somerfield Walk, Beaumont Leys on 22 February 2014. Awat Akram was today found guilty of the murder at Leicester Crown Court.

In the days leading up to his death Mr Penman, who was deaf, made reports of harassment against Akram to Leicestershire Police.

Leicestershire Police referred their prior contact with Mr Penman to the IPCC on 24 February and after assessment the IPCC decided they had to await the end of the trial before getting under way.

The IPCC will examine the Leicestershire Police response to concerns for Mr Penman's safety and what risk assessments were carried out. The will also consider how police engaged and interacted with Mr Penman as a vulnerable person.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: "With the conclusion of the murder trial we can now begin our into Leicestershire Police contact with Mr Penman. We have been in contact with Mr Penman's family, to whom I send my sincere condolences, to explain our role and how the will progress.

IPCC press office on 0207-166-3239.