Investigation delay concerns after officer’s death

Martin Stubbs, 50, had been commended for his good conduct nine days before he was arrested

A police force has been told to deal with disciplinary actions against staff more quickly after a suspended officer took his own life.

Martin Stubbs, 50, was arrested and suspended by West Yorkshire in November 2022, nine days after receiving a long service and good conduct award.

An inquest heard he was found dead on 26 August 2024, with his father telling the hearing the length of time his son had been suspended had played "a significant part" in his death.

Following a report by coroner Oliver Longstaff raising concerns about the delay, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said the force would review the findings "in detail".

The inquest, which concluded on 24 October, heard Mr Stubbs had remained on bail and suspended from duty until his death. The details of what he was arrested on suspicion of have not been released.

He had sought medical advice over the "mental strain of being suspended for so long" and had left a note stating his belief the force had "contributed to his death", according to a prevention of future deaths report.

Mr Stubbs' family said they did not know whether the delay was because of a lack of staff or an "institutionalised practice of allowing such matters to drift without proactive management to bring them to a conclusion," the report said.

It added that "anecdotally" his family were aware of "other long outstanding internal disciplinary proceedings and fear other families may have to go through an experience similar to theirs".

Mr Longstaff, Coroner for West Yorkshire, said he believed action should be taken to prevent future deaths, with a copy of the report sent to both West Yorkshire Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

'Complex investigation'

"West Yorkshire Police has received the report regarding Martin’s death and will review its findings in detail, with a view to responding to the coroner," a force spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts remain with Martin's family and friends at this time."

Mr Stubbs was subject to an investigation carried out by police under the direction of the IOPC at the time of his death, the watchdog said.

"We were required by law to complete the investigation, which we have now done and are in the process of finalising our decision," an IOPC spokesperson said.

“We appreciate the distress this may cause his loved ones and have worked with West Yorkshire Police to conclude a complex investigation, with a significant number of lines of inquiry, as quickly as possible in the circumstances."

They said the organisation would consider the coroner's comments.

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