POLICE OFFICER DISMISSED AFTER AFFAIR WITH MURDER VICTIM
A police officer from Dorset, PC Richard Allan, has been removed from his position after it was revealed that his romantic involvement with a victim of domestic violence contributed to her murder.PC Allan, who was tasked with safeguarding Kat Ryba from her attacker Piotr Zasada, engaged in a relationship with her.
When Zasada learned of their affair, he erupted into a jealous rage, stabbing Ryba multiple times in front of their young daughter before tossing her out of a second-floor window, as described in court documents.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) conducted an investigation that found shortcomings in PC Allan's conduct and other officers’ actions, as well as outdated policies on domestic abuse.
The report also pointed out that after her death, PC Allan erased messages exchanged with Ms Ryba and accessed police databases without authorization after being taken off the frontline.
Although he was dismissed following a misconduct hearing in June, the report clarified that these issues did not cause the tragedy.
Ms Ryba, 26 years old, was staying at a friend's flat when she was attacked in October 2009.
Zasada admitted guilt at Winchester Crown Court last year and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Prosecutor Anthony Donne QC explained his motive: “He was angry because she left him and jealous that she was seeing someone else.
Police are supposed to support and protect vulnerable individuals, and PC Allan crossed a clear boundary.” Additionally, the investigation revealed that the classification of domestic risk levels was inaccurate and necessary orders were not sufficiently documented on police records.
A Dorset Police spokesperson stated that reforms of domestic violence procedures have been implemented and that PC Allan was reassigned to non-operational duties prior to his dismissal.
This case underscores the importance of high standards within law enforcement and the need to support victims of domestic abuse, condemning PC Allan’s behavior as inconsistent with police responsibilities.
