Met Police officers probed over 'mistakes' made in complaints against 'dangerous predator'

Carl Cooper was jailed for life in July for the murders of Naomi Hunte, 41, who was stabbed in the chest, and Fiona Holm, 48, whose body has never been found, as four Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated for misconduct

An investigation is underway into four Metropolitan Police officers for alleged misconduct following the murders of two women by a man they had previously reported to the police. Carl Cooper, 66, was sentenced to life imprisonment in July for killing Naomi Hunte, 41, by stabbing her in the chest, and Fiona Holm, 48, who remains missing.

The victims, both former partners of the handyman Cooper, had separately reported his violent behaviour to the police before their deaths. The Met Police confirmed on Wednesday, as revealed by The Times, that it is scrutinising the conduct of four officers concerning Ms Holm's allegations of assault against Cooper dated back to April 2023.

Despite being arrested after the assault allegation, Cooper was not prosecuted, according to the police report. It is believed that Ms Holm, from south-east London, was killed approximately two months later, on 20 June 2023.

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Following a review of how Ms Holm's complaint was handled, it was found that a more comprehensive investigation might have uncovered important witnesses able to support a victimless prosecution.

At Cooper's trial at Woolwich Crown Court, evidence was presented showing Ms Hunte, who was discovered fatally stabbed at her home in south east London on Valentine's Day 2022, had made several domestic incident calls to the police during 2020 and 2021, in which she claimed that Cooper was "obsessed" with her, reports the Liverpool Echo.

In a distressing police call-out to her residence on 29 June 2021, she expressed her fears to the officers, saying Cooper "stalks me and I'm really scared now". Met Police Commander Paul Brogden said: "Our thoughts will always remain with Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm, and we again extend our sincere condolences to their families as they continue to grieve for these two beloved women."

"We have always been clear that we made mistakes when dealing with allegations against Carl Cooper. For those mistakes we are extremely sorry."

He added: "These matters are currently the subject of several reviews led by the Met's directorate of professional standards. A senior officer from Lewisham met with Fiona's family to discuss the review of the missing person investigation and I would like to repeat our direct and unequivocal apology for the way they were treated when they reported her missing."

"It is a matter of enduring regret that we did not have sufficient evidence to charge Cooper sooner for the murder of Naomi. Cooper has still not revealed the location of Fiona's body. We continue our enquiries to find her so that her family can finally lay her to rest."

During Cooper's sentencing in July, Mr Justice Johnson condemned the murderer, stating he was convinced he had posed a "great danger to women" throughout his life and had a "history of acting in controlling and coercive manner to your female partners".

Four police officers are under investigation in connection with a grievous bodily harm complaint made by Ms Hunte in April 2023. The case was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which recommended a local investigation.

However, the watchdog will review the findings of the investigation, according to the Metropolitan Police.

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