Inquest of man shot by police to go before jury

The coroner is expected to make a decision in December on whether the two officers involved can remain anonymous

The inquest of a Ukrainian man who was shot dead by armed police is due to be held before a jury.

Sergii Kuzmenko, 40, was killed by two Cumbria firearms officers when they attended his home in Carlisle in December 2022, following reports of a man making threats to kill while a young child was present.

At a pre-inquest review hearing, coroner Kirsty Gomersal made a provisional decision to hold the inquest with a jury, after a request from Mr Kuzmenko's family.

Miss Gomersal is expected to make a decision on a request for anonymity to be granted to the two officers "before Christmas", and said she was "mindful of the anniversary" of Mr Kuzmenko's death on 19 December.

An inquest before a jury is only mandatory in certain circumstances.

The solicitor for Mr Kuzmenko's family said they wished a jury to be present to increase "public scrutiny" and the "appearance of impartiality".

Anonymity orders

Solicitors for the two firearms officers, referred to as C and L during the hearing at Cumbria Coroners' Court in Cockermouth, said it was a matter for the coroner to decide - a comment echoed by legal representatives for Cumbria Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Miss Gomersal said she would make a provisional decision for a jury inquest to take place, in light of the family's request.

During the hearing, the coroner also heard requests from the officers' solicitors and Cumbria Police for anonymity orders to be granted, preventing them from being identified and enabling them to give evidence behind a screen.

Their legal representatives argued that while there was no threat to the officers' lives, they and their families would be affected in terms of the stigma surrounding the incident.

They also argued the officers' ability to progress in their profession and take on covert roles would be affected.

Mr Kuzmenko's family opposed the order and members of the Press, including the BBC, submitted requests for the orders not to be granted.

The IOPC said it remained neutral on the orders and Miss Gomersal is expected to issue her decision soon.

Should anonymity be granted to the officers, Cumbria Police requested a further four armed officers who were at the scene when Mr Kuzmenko died should also remain anonymous, to avoid officers C and L from being identified.