Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Michael Roberts
Ref: 2023-0056Deceased
Date: 13 Feb 2023
Coroner: Mary Hassell
Area: Inner North London
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryAn inaccurate DBS certificate failed to record a past violent offence, which allowed Mr Roberts to be employed in a role with access to firearms. The coroner noted it was unclear whether the error originated with the DBS or the Metropolitan Police Service.
Date
13 Feb 2023
56-day deadline
10 Apr 2023 est.
estimated from the report date
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
An inaccurate DBS certificate failed to record a past violent offence, which allowed Mr Roberts to be employed in a role with access to firearms. The coroner noted it was unclear whether the error originated with the DBS or the Metropolitan Police Service.
View full coroner's concerns
Before he was employed as a proof assistant testing new guns, Mr Roberts’ prospective employer asked for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate. This was provided and recorded no convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings.
However, Mr Roberts had in the past been convicted of a violent offence for which he had received a custodial sentence. This was the reason for his dismissal from his former occupation as a police officer in the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service).
If Mr Roberts’ DBS certificate had correctly recorded his conviction, he would not have been employed at Proof House where he had access to firearms.
It is unclear to me whether the inaccuracy of the DBS certificate was caused by an error made by the DBS or by the MPS.
However, Mr Roberts had in the past been convicted of a violent offence for which he had received a custodial sentence. This was the reason for his dismissal from his former occupation as a police officer in the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service).
If Mr Roberts’ DBS certificate had correctly recorded his conviction, he would not have been employed at Proof House where he had access to firearms.
It is unclear to me whether the inaccuracy of the DBS certificate was caused by an error made by the DBS or by the MPS.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 30 August 2022, one of my assistant coroners, Jonathan Stevens, commenced an investigation into the death of Michael Roberts aged 50 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 7 February 2023. I made a determination at inquest of suicide.
Circumstances of the death
Mr Roberts shot himself on the evening of Saturday, 20 August 2022, using a gun he took from his place of work. He did not own any guns.
He was alone and made no attempt to shoot any other person. However, he had suggested to his partner that he could kill her.
He was alone and made no attempt to shoot any other person. However, he had suggested to his partner that he could kill her.
Copies sent to
, fiancée of Michael Roberts, proof master, Proof House, London, proof master, Proof House, Birmingham
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Report details
- Reference
- 2023-0056Deceased
- Date of report
- 13 February 2023
- Coroner
- Mary Hassell
- Coroner area
- Inner North London
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 10 Apr 2023 (estimated from the report date).
Sent to
- Disclosure and Barring Services, Metropolitan Police Services and Proof Master