Police face misconduct action after woman's death

Five police officers will face misconduct proceedings after a woman was stabbed to death by a former colleague who stalked her.

Gracie Spinks, 23, was killed by a former colleague who was “infatuated” with her.

Gracie Spinks, 23, was stabbed by Michael Sellers in Duckmanton in Derbyshire before committing suicide.

Weeks before her death in June 2021, walkers found a bag of weapons near the scene and gave it to the police.

Her parents have been told the bag held a shop receipt linking it to Sellers.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said its investigation had concluded that three officers had a case to answer for misconduct about the bag discovery.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct also said two more officers had a case to answer for misconduct over Derbyshire Police's handling of a stalking complaint that Ms Spinks made in February 2021.

“We have determined that disciplinary proceedings in the form of a misconduct meeting should be brought against each officer,” an Independent Office for Police Conduct spokesperson said.

Wayne Kipling and Anna White found the bag of weapons near the scene where Ms Spinks was later killed.

Independent Office for Police Conduct regional director Derrick Campbell added: “Our investigation was thorough and considered a wide range of evidence and have determined five officers have a case to answer for misconduct.

“It will now be for the force to arrange misconduct meetings.”

Derbyshire Police said the misconduct meetings would be held in private.

Misconduct meetings are not as severe as misconduct hearings, which are held in cases of gross misconduct.

The force said in a statement: “Derbyshire Constabulary can confirm that five officers will be subject to a misconduct meeting following an Independent Office for Police Conduct an independent investigation into police contact with Gracie Spinks, before her murder in June 2021.

“We are not in a position to comment further until these proceedings are complete.”

Weapons and a note saying “DON'T LIE” were found in a bag belonging to Michael Sellers.

The potential sanctions for misconduct are not as harsh as for gross misconduct.

Gross misconduct is where a breach of standards is so severe it could justify an officer's dismissal, while misconduct could result in a written warning.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has not yet released its report about the death of Ms Spinks. If so, this will happen after an inquest has been held.

Ms Spinks' parents, who believe police failed her, are supporting a campaign for Gracie's Law, which asks the government to fund stalking advocates for police forces.

They have been supported by their local MP, Toby Perkins, and a petition has been debated in Parliament.