Gracie Spinks: Police face misconduct action after woman's death

Gracie Spinks, 23, was killed by a former colleague who was "infatuated" with her

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 stabbed by Michael Sellers in Duckmanton, Derbyshire, before he killed himself.

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

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

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its investigation had concluded that three officers had a case to answer for misconduct in relation to the bag discovery.

The IOPC also said a further two 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 IOPC spokesperson said.

'Our worst nightmare'

In a statement, Ms Spinks's parents said they welcomed the findings of the IOPC report, saying it "confirms our views from the outset that Gracie was let down".

"The preliminary findings do seem to suggest that Gracie's death was potentially preventable, and the officers involved in the investigation all potentially failed in their obligations to safeguard the victim," Richard Spinks and Alison Heaton said.

"This confirms our worst nightmare."

Richard Spinks and Alison Heaton believe police failed their daughter

IOPC 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 serious 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 IOPC independent investigation into police contact with Gracie Spinks, prior to 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 there has been a breach of standards so serious it could justify an officer's dismissal, while misconduct could just result in a written warning.

The IOPC has not yet released its report in relation to the death of Ms Spinks. If it does so, this will likely happen after an inquest has been held.

Ms Spinks's parents 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.