PC Fails to Act Before Wife Is Burned to Death by Husband
Botched Investigation Leaves Victim at Risk
PC Sandeep Khunkhun, part of the North West Command Unit, has been slammed for gross misconduct after she mishandled a domestic abuse case. The officer failed to act on serious allegations made by Denise Keane-Simmons against her husband, Damion Simmons, who later set fire to the flat Denise was staying in, killing her in April 2020.
Warning Signs Ignored Amid Harassment Claims
Despite being assigned to investigate complaints of harassment and voyeurism against Simmons in February 2020, PC Khunkhun repeatedly cancelled interviews and did not arrange his arrest. Supervisors demanded updates and action plans, but she ignored them and closed the case, claiming Denise had withdrawn support and there was no victimless prosecution.
Justice for Denise After Husband Jailed for Life
Simmons, 45, was found guilty of murdering 36-year-old Denise Keane-Simmons at the Old Bailey. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 32 years. Prosecutor Olcay Sapanoglu said Simmons “carried out a jealous campaign of torment and abuse against his wife which culminated in him murdering her in the most horrific of ways – simply because he could not accept that their relationship was over.”
Force Responds with Training Overhaul
Chief Superintendent Sara Leach condemned the “below standard” investigation and expressed sympathy for Denise’s family. She said:
“Tackling violence against women and girls is one of our top priorities. Cases like this damage public trust. As part of our action plan, we are rolling out specialist domestic abuse training to over 8,000 frontline officers to improve their response and recognise coercive behaviour.”
PC Khunkhun has been placed on the College of Policing’s Barred List, banning her from police employment or related bodies indefinitely.
