Met Police condemned by Kester David's family over treatment of officer

The family of a man found burned to death has condemned the police for punishing the inspector who revealed a "catalogue of errors" in the investigation into his death.

Kester David's body was found under a railway arch in Palmers Green, north London in 2010.

An employment tribunal ruled that Insp Brian Casson was unfairly treated by bosses when he highlighted failures.

The Met said the death was unexplained and the investigation continues.

The family of Mr David, 53, a bus driver who was a DJ in his free time, believes he was killed by a criminal gang for acting as a police informant.

'Cover up'

Officers from Enfield, who originally investigated Mr David's death, concluded it was non-suspicious, and an inquest last year recorded an open verdict.

A year later, Mr Casson reported there were errors amounting to a "failing in duty" by the original investigation.

He said opportunities had been missed to check CCTV footage, secure mobile phone evidence and speak to witnesses and that wrong information had been given at the inquest.

Mr Casson said he took his findings to anti-corruption officers and then in writing to senior officers and as a result was singled out and treated unfairly.

An employment tribunal panel last week found that as a result of his disclosure, Mr Casson - who is still a serving officer - had been unfairly treated when his bosses made him the subject of a "performance improvement plan."

'Victimising staff'

Mr David's brother Roger said: "They [the police] covered up straight from the beginning.

"We knew that Kester didn't commit suicide but what this shows with Brian Casson is that whatever the cost they will try to cover up and they will victimise their own staff.

"Even though Casson did the rightful thing he was persecuted.

"What's going to happen to the officers who are still walking around on the street who failed?"

The Met said no officers had been disciplined.

In April last year the Met Commissioner, Bernard Hogan-Howe, ordered a new investigation.

A spokesman said: "Mr David's death is currently being treated as unexplained and detectives continue to retain an open mind about the circumstances surrounding the incident until all lines of enquiry are completed."

Officers are due to travel to the US to speak to potential witnesses.