Man, 25, to go on trial next year accused of shooting cop Matt Ratana, 54, dead in custody suite | The Sun
A MAN is due to go on trial next year accused of murdering a cop shot dead inside a custody suite.
Sergeant Matt Ratana, 54, died after being blasted four times during a search at Croydon Custody Centre on September 25, 2020.
The cop, who had served with the Met since 1991, was the first ever officer to be killed inside a British police station.
Louis de Zoysa was left fighting for life in hospital with brain damage after shooting himself.
The 25-year-old appeared at Northampton Crown Court today in a wheelchair.
He was not required to enter a plea to a single charge of murder.
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A provisional trial date of June 6 was set with De Zoysa next due to appear in court on February 20.
Sgt Ratana had tragically been planning to propose to his partner of six years Su Bushby when he was gunned down.
She previously paid tribute to the hero cop, saying: "There aren’t really any words for how I am feeling right now about the loss of Matt; about losing someone I loved and was so close to in such a tragic manner.
“I know Matt touched many, many people’s lives with his friendliness, patience, kindness, enthusiasm and caring ways.
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“I had the pleasure of sharing five years of my life with this lovely man – my gentle giant, with his infectious smile and big heart. I think of him with tenderness and love.
“Matt was my partner, friend, confidant, support and soul mate.
“He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Matt will always be in my head and in my heart."
Sgt Ratana had moved to work in custody because it was safer before the tragedy.
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The officer had served with the Met Police since 1991 and worked in Croydon from 2015.
Pals said Sgt Ratana, dad to a grown-up son, 26, dreamed of travelling Europe on his motorbike then coaching at his rugby club in Sussex.
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