Police Acknowledge Appalling Failure in Grace Spinks Case

 Detective Superintendent Darren De'ath, head of Derbyshire Constabulary's public protection team, admitted to the inquest into the death of Gracie Spinks that the police's shortcomings in the case were "appalling." Ms. Spinks, 23, tragically lost her life when she was stabbed while attending to her horse in Duckmanton, Derbyshire, on June 18, 2021.

 

During his testimony at Chesterfield Coroner's Court, Mr. De'ath expressed deep regret for the events leading to her death. He highlighted his dismay at the force's failure to appropriately record and retain information related to Ms. Spinks' stalking report in February 2021 and dog walker Anna White's report of discovering a bag of weapons on a farm track the month before the fatal incident.

 

Mr. De'ath revealed that he was "appalled" by the lapses in handling crucial information. Michael Sellers, a co-worker described as "obsessed" with Ms. Spinks and previously reported for stalking, is suspected of killing her before taking his own life.

 

While acknowledging that his words may offer little consolation, Mr. De'ath took the witness stand on Thursday to issue a formal apology to Gracie's family and friends. He acknowledged that the police force "should have done better" and expressed a profound sense of remorse, stating, "I deeply regret what has happened."