Lewis Johnson

Commissioner Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

I am: Coroner ME Hassell Senior Coroner Inner North London St Pancras Coroner’s Court Camley Street London  N1C 4PP

On 12 February 2016, I commenced an investigation into the death of Lewis Johnson aged 18 years.  The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest yesterday. (There were several reasons unconnected with the inquest why there was such a delay in the conclusion.) The jury made a narrative determination at inquest, a copy of which I attach.

Lewis Johnson died as a consequence of a road traffic collision at Clapton Common A107 in London on 9 February 2016, following a police pursuit.  He was riding a motorcycle and had a pillion passenger.

During the course of the inquest, the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances, it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.

1. You will see from the attached narrative that the jury concluded there was a failure by MPS to implement, disseminate and train relevant staff on relevant policies effectively.
2. Although the jury did not comment on this specifically, it seemed to me from the evidence in court that there was not a consistent expectation among police officers of how long it generally takes a police controller to make a decision on authorisation of a pursuit.

Whilst I do not suggest there should be a time limit on this, it would seem helpful if the expectation of the timing of police control decision  making  were  to  be  roughly  aligned  between  those making  the  decisions  (in  the  police  control  room)  and  those waiting for the decisions (in police cars involved in the pursuits).

In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe that you have the power to take such action.