Police misconduct inquiry into death of woman being stalked

Several police officers are facing a misconduct inquiry over their investigation of stalking claims following the death a woman who had previously reported her murderer. 

 

23-year-old Gracie Spinks died after she was found with knife wounds in a field in Duckmanton, Derbyshire, at about 8.40 am on June 18 last year.

 

She is believed to have been killed by 35-year-old Michael Sellars, whom she had reported to Derbyshire police for stalking her in February last year. The accused was also found dead just hours later. 

 

Ms Spinks was last seen by her mother at 7.30 am on June 18. She had left the family home in Chesterfield driving to see her horses at Blue Lodge Farm Stables, Duckmanton. Gracie was later discovered unconscious, with stab wounds, at the stables. The body of former warehouse supervisor Mr Sellars, from Sheffield, was also found in a nearby field a few hours later.

 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said two officers have to answer for misconduct concerning Ms Spinks's stalking complaint. A further three officers have been investigated over the discovery of a bag containing a hammer, an axe, and some knives, close to where Ms Spinks died. 

 

The IOPC said they are considering if the force complied with safeguarding obligations, and if the stalking investigation was carried out in accordance with police guidelines.

 

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: "Our investigation was thorough and considered a wide range of evidence. We have determined that five officers have a case to answer for misconduct. It will now be for the force to arrange misconduct meetings."

 

The police watchdog added "Due to an impending inquest, it would be inappropriate for us to share any further details at this time. We will publish our findings once these proceedings have concluded."