Four Met Cops Under Scrutiny Over Lewisham Handyman’s Double Murders
Four Metropolitan Police officers are under investigation after brutal murders of two women by Carl Cooper, a handyman from Lewisham. Both victims had repeatedly reported Cooper’s violent behaviour to police — but warnings were ignored.
Cooper, 66, was locked up for life in July 2024 for killing Naomi Hunte, 41, and Fiona Holm, 48.
Ignored Pleas for Help Before Deadly Attacks
Naomi Hunte was stabbed to death in her Woolwich flat in February 2022. She had made four complaints about Cooper’s harassment to the police beforehand. Despite being arrested on suspicion of murder, Cooper was mysteriously released under investigation.
Sixteen months later, Cooper’s violence struck again when Fiona Holm vanished from Hither Green in June 2023. Her body has never been found.
Both women had relationships with Cooper and repeatedly reported his violent behaviour. Holm complained about an assault in April 2023. Despite Cooper’s arrest, no charges were filed.
Police Cover-Up Claims Spark Misconduct Probe
The Met has admitted their investigation into Holm’s complaint was “inadequate.” They say a thorough probe might have uncovered key witnesses that could’ve led to prosecution.
On Wednesday, the Met confirmed four officers are now under formal misconduct investigation for handling Holm’s April 2023 complaint, following a referral from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog will review the force’s findings.
During Cooper’s Woolwich Crown Court trial, it emerged Naomi repeatedly warned police about Cooper’s obsession, telling them in June 2021: “He stalks me and I’m really scared now.”
Met Police Boss Issues Apology as Search for Victim’s Body Continues
Met Police Commander Paul Brogden said:
“Our thoughts remain with Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm, and we extend sincere condolences to their families. We made mistakes dealing with allegations against Carl Cooper. For those mistakes, we are extremely sorry.”
Brogden also apologised to Holm’s family for poor handling of her missing person case and admitted insufficient evidence delayed charging Cooper sooner for Naomi’s murder.
Despite his life sentence, Cooper refuses to reveal Fiona Holm’s body location. Police continue searching to give her family closure.
Sentencing judge Mr Justice Johnson called Cooper a “great danger to women” with a long history of controlling and coercive behaviour towards partners.
The misconduct probe into officers’ handling of Naomi’s 2023 GBH complaint continues.
