Police Officers Slammed Over Handling of Teen Girl’s Harrowing Case
Officers Face Disciplinary Action After Tragic Death
Two Met Police officers, PC Kerry Lynham and PC Sophie Dennis, have been handed improvement notices over their bungled handling of a teenage girl who later died in a shocking incident. The pair appeared at a gross incompetence hearing following their failures when dealing with 17-year-old Katrina Makunova.
Katrina’s Death Sparks Police Probe
Miss Makunova died on 12 July 2018 after falling on a knife during a struggle with her ex-boyfriend, Oluwaseyi Dada, in Southwark. Dada, 21, was convicted of manslaughter and jailed. The tragedy raised questions about earlier police contact with Miss Makunova.
A probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found serious faults in the officers’ handling of her case. As a result, PCs Lynham and Dennis faced disciplinary hearings.
Failings in Domestic Abuse Response
- On 23 June 2018, the officers visited Miss Makunova’s home after she reported threats from her ex, Dada.
- They failed to treat her harassment claims as criminal allegations.
- Essential forms and risk assessments for a vulnerable young victim were left incomplete.
- PC Lynham failed to fill out a Merlin report crucial for child safeguarding.
- PC Dennis submitted false statements claiming paperwork was completed and suggesting Miss Makunova refused to cooperate, which was untrue.
- The officers only referred her to a domestic abuse charity and suggested a restraining order against Dada.
Disciplinary Outcomes and Police Fury
Commander Alison Heydari chaired the hearing and found PC Dennis guilty of gross incompetence on all counts. PC Lynham was found to have performed unsatisfactorily for ignoring serious allegations and inaction, though some claims against her were not proven.
PC Dennis received a final written improvement notice, while PC Lynham was given a written improvement notice.
Deputy Commissioner Sir Stephen House said: “We expect all our officers to take allegations of domestic abuse extremely seriously and follow proper procedures to safeguard victims. We join policing to protect people like Miss Makunova and I am deeply ashamed that these officers failed her. My thoughts are with Miss Makunova’s family and friends.”
Broader Failings Uncovered
The IOPC’s investigation also highlighted failures by 10 other officers of various ranks in how they investigated, safeguarded, and supervised matters related to Miss Makunova’s case.
