Criminal investigation into Leicestershire Police officers and staff over suspect's death dropped
A criminal investigation into three police officers and four staff over a murder suspect's death in custody has been dropped. Sebastian Zarnoch, 30, lay undiscovered in his cell for 11 hours despite regular checks at a Leicester police station.Mr Zarnoch had been arrested on suspicion of the kidnapping and murder of Gabriela Kosilko, who had been reported missing two days earlier.He was found unresponsive at Keyham Lane Police Station in Hamilton, Leicester, shortly after 10am on September 6, 2023, after he had reportedly covered himself with a blanket and improvised a ligature between checks.Over the 11 hours, detention officers continued to check on him every 30 minutes, recording him as "asleep and breathing" despite him not moving position. Ms Kosilko's body was discovered hours after Mr Zarnoch's death in woodland close to Groby Pool, with her red Audi A1 having been found abandoned in Ratby Lane, Leicester.The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said "no criminal allegations were pursued after the initial stages of our investigation".All seven had previously been under criminal investigation, with three police officers having been served gross misconduct notices for potential breaches of police standards for professional behaviour, while four staff members had been advised they were to be made subject of a disciplinary investigation.An IOPC spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family and friends of Sebastian Zarnoch and everyone affected by his death."Our investigation focused on the level of risk assessments and supervision involving Mr Zarnoch and whether the observations and cell checks carried out on him were in line with relevant policy and procedures."The result of the investigation will be shared once the inquest proceedings have concluded, the watchdog added.The IOPC investigation found some detention officers had not received training for several years and were unaware of official guidance requiring them to adjust blankets covering detainees' faces.The IOPC has made five recommendations to Leicestershire Police and detention officer provider Mitie.Leicestershire Police's Force lead for criminal justice, Leah Johnson, said: "As a force, we are always continuing to learn, develop and to work to improve."We have accepted the recommendations made by the IOPC and a number of different procedures are now in place."A Mitie spokesperson said: "We accept the IOPC's recommendations and have taken steps to strengthen training, management, and communication."An inquest is due to be held later this year. The serving of conduct notices does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.
