Shot officer 'unlawfully killed'

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A police officer was unlawfully killed when he was shot dead by a man who then committed suicide by shooting himself, an inquest has ruled.

Pc Richard Gray, 43, was shot by Peter Medlicott, 33, in the incident in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, on 6 May.

West Mercia Police were criticised after the inquest by the lawyer of Pc Gray's widow for not revoking Medlicott's gun licence earlier.

Coroner John Ellery recommended police change their licensing practices.

In a statement, Jenny Gray paid tribute to her late husband's selfless sacrifice.

My husband was killed by a man who should not have been permitted to possess firearms Jenny Gray, widow

"My husband was a brave, gentle man who spent his working life serving his country.

"That he put the safety of his colleagues above his own on that fateful morning is of no surprise to those who knew him.

"It is a tragedy that his life was taken so brutally and needlessly while attending an alcohol-fuelled violent dispute, similar to that which our policemen and women are constantly called upon to attend.

Previous convictions

"My husband was killed by a man who should not have been permitted to possess firearms."

Rat-catcher Medlicott had three previous convictions beginning in 2001 - two offences of drunk and disorderly behaviour and one for drink-driving.

He was also arrested for assault in April 2007.

Mrs Gray's lawyer David Twigg said: "I was staggered when I read the papers (prepared for the inquest) that a man who could accumulate so many convictions should be allowed to keep guns."

The coroner also questioned whether Medlicott's firearms licence should have been revoked before Pc Gray's death.

Peter Medlicott kept guns at his father's home

Chief Constable Paul West said work had already started to "strengthen" procedures.

Pc Gray's son, Paul, said: "You can't turn back the clock. I hope that the new measures are put in place as soon as possible."

Pc Gray was sent to a property in Castlefields with a colleague as two unarmed officers were held hostage by Medlicott.

He was shot in an alley next to the property with the .222 calibre rifle Medlicott used for pest control.