Derbyshire Constabulary Faces Criticism Over Handling of Gracie Spinks' Murder Case

Strategic Insights -

The parents of Gracie Spinks, a 19-year-old woman murdered by her work colleague Michael Sellers, have spoken out against Derbyshire Constabulary's handling of the case. Richard Spinks and Alison Heaton say they were left feeling let down by the police, who they claim failed to take Gracie's concerns seriously and missed opportunities to prevent her death. The police watchdog, the IOPC, has announced that five officers involved in the case will face misconduct hearings, including two sergeants who will face gross misconduct charges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The police failed to take Gracie's concerns seriously, with Richard Spinks stating that "the impression we got from Gracie was that was the end of it - they would speak to him and that would be the end of the whole thing."
  • The police missed opportunities to prevent Gracie's death, including the discovery of a bag of weapons containing a hammer, axe, and hunting knives, which was found just six weeks before Gracie's death.
  • The IOPC has announced that five officers will face misconduct hearings, including two sergeants who will face gross misconduct charges.
  • Richard and Alison Spinks say they hope the inquiry will lead to "systemic change" in the police force, with Richard stating that "a slap on the wrist for a few officers is not good enough."
  • The Spinks family is campaigning for Gracie's Law, a petition seeking more funding for stalking advocates in all police forces.
  • Derbyshire Police have implemented improvements following the IOPC investigation and are encouraging victims of stalking and harassment to report incidents.

Statistics:

  • The police watchdog, the IOPC, has announced that five officers will face misconduct hearings.
  • Two sergeants will face gross misconduct charges.
  • The discovery of the bag of weapons was made around six weeks before Gracie's death.
  • Richard and Alison Spinks hope to reach 100,000 signatures on the Gracie's Law petition by February 22.
  • The petition is seeking more funding for stalking advocates in all police forces.

Sources:

  • Derbyshire Times: "She was let down" - family of Chesterfield's Gracie Spinks hold vigil on her birthday
  • [petition.parliament.uk/petitions/593769](petition.parliament.uk/petitions/593769): Gracie's Law petition
  • (https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/subscriptions): Derbyshire Times subscription page