A man who shot dead a Metropolitan Police custody sergeant who was also a much-loved Sussex rugby coach, after smuggling a gun into a holding cell, has been handed a whole life jail sentence.
Louis De Zoysa was convicted of Sergeant Matt Ratana's murder in June — and it is believed he had concealed the antique revolver and holster under his armpit.
Jurors were shown distressing CCTV footage of the 26-year-old gun fanatic using the legally-bought gun to shoot Sgt Ratana.
Northampton Crown Court was told that he deliberately fired the weapon without warning into the 54-year-old's chest, causing a fatal wound to his heart and lung. He later died in hospital
De Zoysa was handcuffed at the time, and suffered brain damage after one of the shots fired hit him in the neck.
CCTV footage suggests he managed to retrieve the weapon with his right hand about 16 minutes before the shooting — and used a vent at the back of his overcoat to hide the gun until the attack.
A total of four shots were fired within 20 seconds within a custody block in Croydon, south London, in the early hours of 25 September 2020.
Sgt Ratana had worked in policing for 30 years, and was close to retirement.
Sentencing De Zoysa, Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson told the 26-year-old:
"You acted in cold blood. You intended to kill Sergeant Ratana.
"You aimed the gun at his chest at near point-blank range. Even as he fell you re-aimed and fired a second shot at him.
"The aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors. There is therefore no justification to depart from the starting point of a whole life order."
Reporters said that, during today's sentencing, Ratana's partner, Su Bushby, was weeping.
Earlier, she had said during her victim impact statement that her life had been "ripped apart" by Mr Ratana's death.
Police footage offered by the Crown Prosecution Service, and shared by More Radio's news partner Sky News, shows the moments before Sgt. Ratana was fatally shot.
Therefore, some of the scenes below, seen in court, are extremely distressing.
On July 3rd 2021, East Grinsted Rugby Club unveiled a tribute to their former coach.
During the ceremony, Jeff Blackett, President of the Rugby Football Union, said:
"Matt Ratana represented all that is best in rugby union and epitomised our core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.
"He was a true team player, generous with his time and an inspiration to others.
"Men, boys, women, girls, all players mattered to Matt who broke down barriers and led in a way that motivated everyone he coached and encouraged."
Sergeant Matt Ratana's legacy lives on with this awesome steel silhouette. Incredible seeing his name all over jerseys...
Posted by Lloyd Burr on Sunday, July 4, 2021
Council Calls On West Sussex Residents To Consider Fostering
Meghan, Duchess Of Sussex, Says Nigeria Is 'My Country' On Visit With Prince Harry
Two Men Wanted In Connection With Hastings Fatal Collision
M25 Reopens Seven Hours Ahead Of Schedule
More 'Live' Bus Information Screens To Be Installed In West Sussex
Rare Bee Found In Lewes
Event Bookings Go Live For Worthing Festival ‘24
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield