Man jailed for life after murdering Police Sergeant Matt Ratana

A man who murdered a Metropolitan Police sergeant has been jailed for life. 

Louis De Zoysa, 25, who appeared at Northampton Crown Court today (27 July), was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order for murdering Police Sergeant Matt Ratana in September 2020.

De Zoysa concealed a loaded revolver and used it to kill Sergeant Ratana in a south London custody centre during a search on 25 September 2020, when De Zoysa was arrested in respect of other alleged offences.

De Zoysa had previously been found guilty of murdering Sergeant Ratana on 23 June 2023.

Julius Capon, Head of CPS London Homicide, said: “De Zoysa committed a horrific crime on a public servant who was carrying out his duty.

“Today’s sentence reflects the tragic nature of the offence, the distress and suffering he brought to the victim’s family.

“Our thoughts are with Sergeant Ratana’s family who remain devastated by their sudden loss.”