Police officers who arrested and de-arrested a man who later died after being hit by a car in Wigan could face criminal charges, the watchdog has said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into the death of 35-year-old Gareth Roper. He died at 4.30am on New Year’s Day 2022, when he was hit by a vehicle on Lily Lane, in Bamfurlong.
The police watchdog has now confirmed it has referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as four officers 'may have committed a criminal offence' over the decision to de-arrest Mr Roper and 'drop him off some distance from his home'. The CPS will decide if criminal charges are appropriate.
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GMP referred itself to the IOPC, and a statement from the watchdog read: “The IOPC has concluded its investigation into the conduct of four Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers who had contact with a man in the hours before his death in Wigan. Gareth Roper, 35, died after being hit by a vehicle on Lily Lane, in Bamfurlong, in the early hours of 1 January 2022.
“He had been arrested and subsequently de-arrested a short time before his death. Our independent investigation, which followed a referral from the force, looked at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved, as well as their treatment of Mr Roper.
“We interviewed the officers under criminal caution and reviewed body-worn video and CCTV footage, as well as the relevant force policies and guidance. Following the conclusion of the investigation in December, we determined there was an indication the officers may have committed a criminal offence in relation to the decision to de-arrest Mr Roper and drop him off some distance from his home address.
“We have now referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider possible charges. It is important to note that a referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow. It will now be for prosecutors to determine, applying the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, whether charges should follow and, if so for whom and what those charges may be.”
A spokesperson for GMP said it is ‘aware’ of the referral. They added that ‘senior officers’ are updating Mr Roper’s loved ones.
“We are aware that the IOPC’s investigation has concluded and that a referral has been made to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether or not criminal charges will follow,” the spokesperson said. “Senior officers remain in contact with Mr Roper’s next of kin to ensure that they remain fully updated and that his loved ones are supported.”
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