Denise Keane-Simmons, niece of Eddy Grant, right, was killed in 2020
(Picture: Facebook)A Metropolitan police officer who failed to protect musician Eddy Grant’s niece before she was burnt to death by her estranged husband has been kicked out of the force.
PC Sandeep Khunkhun was hauled before a misconduct hearing over the murder of Denise Keane-Simmons, 36, who was killed by her abusive and controlling husband Damion Simmons in April 2020.
Simmons, 46, who is now serving a life sentence for murder, broke into Ms Keane-Simmons’ home in Alric Avenue, Harlesden, poured petrol over her head and set her alight after their marriage crumbled.
The misconduct hearing was told a series of reports to police about Simmons’ abusive behaviour were allocated to PC Khunkhun on 19 February.
“She (the victim) confirmed that she would like police action and wanted to have him arrested”, said panel chair Cameron Brown. “From that point on PC Khunkhun should have been looking to arrange the arrest and or interview of Mr Simmons.”
The officer did not make contact with Mrs Keane-Simmons until March 9, cancelled an interview with Simmons three times, and recorded on the crime log that the victim did not want to “substantiate the allegation”.
PC Khunkhun made a request to close the crime log on April 6 – ten days before the murder – having failed to arrest or interview Simmons, take witness statements, seize electronic devices, or examine a covert camera the killer had installed in Ms Keane-Simmons’ home.
PC Khunkhun blamed a lack of supervision for the lapses, telling the hearing she “is mortified to have brought any discredit on the service”.
She was found guilty of gross misconduct and dismiss from the Met Police. Sal Naseem, Independent Office for Police Conduct regional director for London, said: "PC Khunkhun failed Ms Keane-Barnett in a shocking dereliction of her duties as a police officer.”
“The investigation carried out by PC Khunkhun was clearly below the standard we expect”, said Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, commander for Brent, Harrow and Barnet.
“Our thoughts today remain with Ms Keane-Simmons’ family who have suffered an unimaginable loss.”
