Jury to hear inquest into man’s fatal shooting by police

An inquest into the death of Sergii Kuzmenko, a 40-year-old Ukrainian man fatally shot by armed police, is scheduled to proceed with a jury. Mr. Kuzmenko was killed by two firearms officers from Cumbria Police in December 2022 at his residence in Carlisle. This occurred after authorities received reports of an individual making threats to kill in the presence of a young child. During a pre-inquest review hearing, Coroner Kirsty Gomersal provisionally decided that the inquest would involve a jury, a decision made following a request from Mr. Kuzmenko’s family. Miss Gomersal is anticipated to rule on a request for anonymity for the two officers “before Christmas” and noted that she was “mindful of the anniversary” of Mr. Kuzmenko’s death, which falls on 19 December. While a jury inquest is only compulsory under specific conditions, the solicitor representing Mr. Kuzmenko’s family stated their desire for a jury to be present to enhance “public scrutiny” and the “appearance of impartiality.” Legal representatives for the two firearms officers, identified as C and L during proceedings at Cumbria Coroners’ Court in Cockermouth, indicated that the decision rested with the coroner. This sentiment was reiterated by legal counsel for Cumbria Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Miss Gomersal confirmed her intention to make a provisional decision for a jury inquest to proceed, taking into account the family’s request. Throughout the hearing, the coroner also received requests from the officers’ solicitors and Cumbria Police for anonymity orders. These orders would prevent the officers from being identified and allow them to provide testimony from behind a screen. Their legal representatives contended that although there was no direct threat to the officers’ lives, they and their families would experience adverse effects due to the stigma associated with the incident. Furthermore, they asserted that the officers’ career progression and their capacity to undertake covert assignments would be compromised. Mr. Kuzmenko’s family expressed opposition to the order, and various media organizations, including the BBC, submitted requests arguing against the granting of such orders. The IOPC stated its neutrality regarding the orders, and Miss Gomersal is anticipated to announce her decision shortly. In the event that anonymity is granted to the officers, Cumbria Police requested that an additional four armed officers present at the scene of Mr. Kuzmenko’s death also be granted anonymity, to prevent the identification of officers C and L.