Inquest into death of man shot dead by police to be held in front of jury
Sergii Kuzmenko, 40, died from multiple bullet wounds in Carlisle in 2022
An inquest into the death of a man shot dead by police in Carlisle is set to be heard in front of a jury.
Sergii Kuzmenko, 40, died from multiple bullet wounds after firearms officers were called to an address on Borland Avenue in the city’s Botcherby area on Monday 19th December 2022. It had been reported that a man was making threats to kill and that young children were present.
After officers identified an immediate threat to a child, two armed officers discharged their weapons. Mr Kuzmenko, a Ukrainian national, suffered head and chest injuries as seven bullets were fired and was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concluded that officers acted in accordance with training. They neither breached professional standards, the IOPC found, nor committed any criminal offence.
An inquest held in public will now focus on what exactly happened that day.
Earlier today (25th November), Mr Kuzmenko’s sister was present for the latest in a number of pre inquest review hearings at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court. These are being held in preparation for a full inquest — to be held on a future date — at which evidence will be heard and findings formally recorded.
Today, area coroner Ms Kirsty Gomersal took a provisional view that this should be held in front of a jury comprising members of the public. This was the preference of Mr Kuzmenko’s family, their lawyer confirmed.
One main objective of today’s hearing was for the coroner to hear submissions on whether the two officers who discharged their weapons should be publicly identified at the full inquest.
Lawyers for the officers — known currently only as C and L — argue that they should remain anonymous to avoid distress being caused to the pair and their loved ones in the community, a stigma being attached from their roles in the fatal shooting and the compromising of career prospects. One officer had since qualified to hold a covert policing role.
Media organisations oppose formal applications made by counsel, in the interests of open justice.
Ms Gomersal said she needed time to consider all submissions in detail and told the hearing she hopes to make a ruling before Christmas.
A number of other issues were also discussed in court today. The lawyer representing Mr Kuzmenko’s family said they wished to explore at the future full inquest — with the help of pathology evidence — whether there was any “unlawful force” used in relation to the firing or a shot or shots by police.
Ms Gomersal said another pre inquest review hearing would be needed to finalise issues before a full inquest takes place at either Workington or Carlisle. A date for this full hearing has yet to be identified but the coroner said she was mindful of the need to work towards a firm date.