Plymouth shootings: Findings of investigation into firearm license won't be made public yet
The police watchdog says it wants further discussions with the coroner
Last updated 16th Mar 2022
The police watchdog has completed its investigation into how the man behind the Plymouth shootings came to have a shotgun and certificate.
22-year-old Jake Davison killed five people in Keyham in August 2021, before turning the gun on himself.
Those who lost their lives included Davison's mother and a three-year-old girl.
Now the Independent Office for Police Conduct says its findings will not be made public until further discussions have been had with the coroner.
It follows a pre-inquest review on Wednesday 15th March, which heard that Davison had been referred to the government's anti-terror programme by his own mother.
What did the investigation look at?
The IOPC investigation has included the following areas:
• Firearms licensing law, guidance and procedure
• Jake Davison’s engagement in the Pathfinder scheme
• Jake Davison's medical records
• Jake Davison's education, employment and firearms licensing history
• The weapon and ammunition Jake Davison possessed.
"We appreciate how difficult the wait is"
IOPC regional director David Ford said: "We fully understand the importance of providing information and answers to the many questions arising from this tragic incident. However, although our investigation is now complete, we are unable to publish our investigation findings at this time because we need to ensure that we do not prejudice any future proceedings.
"We appreciate how difficult the wait is, especially for those within the community and beyond who have been impacted by the events in Keyham. When we are able to provide greater detail, we will do so
"We are in contact with the bereaved families and those injured in the shootings to whom I again send my sympathies at this time. We appreciate their patience while our and other enquiries have been taking place.
Wait to "ensure future inquest proceedings are safeguarded"
“Devon & Cornwall Police has co-operated fully with our independent investigation and we are in close liaison with the force and the coroner in respect of our findings and the associated learning.
"We have taken into account work that has been done by other organisations to examine the force’s firearms licensing procedures to ensure recommendations are aligned.
"We are mindful we need to await formal responses from Devon & Cornwall Police over any potential disciplinary matters and our learning recommendations relating to firearms licensing arrangements.
"We will continue to have ongoing liaison with the coroner to ensure future inquest proceedings are safeguarded".
On Tuesday, it was announced an inquest is due to be held on 16th January 2023.