Emma Pattison death: Epsom College headteacher shot dead in Surrey was arrested seven years ago after row with husband | UK News
Principal Emma Pattison, who police believe was shot dead by her husband, was arrested after an argument in the house with him seven years ago.
Just before midnight, George Pattison called the police claiming that she had assaulted him at their home. He said his wife slapped him in the face.
Two minutes later, he called back to ask the officers not to come because it was a minor issue and he was overreacting.
But police went to their home in Caterham, Surrey and arrested Ms. Pattison on suspicion of common assault. She was questioned in the early hours, in the presence of a lawyer, but was later released without charge.
Read more:
Epsom College principal found dead on school grounds with husband and seven-year-old daughter
Who is Emma Pattison? Top private school principal found dead
Police were told that the couple were having marital problems and were being counseled to try to overcome them. One of the problems is Mrs. Pattison’s job. She is the vice principal at an independent high school in Leatherhead.
Early Sunday morning, the couple and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie were found shot dead at their new home at Epsom Universityindependent school where Ms. Pattison became principal in September.
Ms. Pattison, 45, had previously made an emergency call to a relative, but by the time family members arrived, all three were dead.
Police have opened a murder investigation and believe Mr Pattison, 39, shot his wife and daughter before killing himself. His legally owned handgun was found nearby.
Two days earlier, police called Mr. Pattison to check his new address, a requirement under handgun licensing laws. It is understood the police did not object, but they subsequently reported a brief phone call with Mr Pattison to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) to investigate any potential misconduct or policy violation.
Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and Lettie, 7
Police also told the IOPC about Ms. Pattison’s arrest and their handling of that investigation in May 2016.
Epsom College has been closed for an entire week and is not expected to reopen until after the midterm break.
Acting Principal Paul Williams told parents in a letter: “Now is the time for families to come together to try to process this shocking news.
“The impact on your child cannot be underestimated and we are doing everything we can to support them in any way they need.”
Security guards stand at the gates of the university, where boarding students pay more than £42,000 a year.
The independent high school was founded in 1853 to provide education to the children of the poorest members of the medical profession.
Surrey Police declined to discuss Ms. Pattison’s arrest in 2016.
It is expected that by the end of the week, the results of the post-mortem examination of the bodies of the couple and their daughter will be available.
