Police Disciplinary Action Following Tragic Cardiff Crash
Six police officers are set to face disciplinary proceedings following an independent investigation into the police response prior to a fatal crash that claimed three young lives in Cardiff. The incident, which occurred in March 2023, resulted in the deaths of Eve Smith and Darcy Ross, both 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24.
The group was discovered in the St Mellons area of Cardiff almost 48 hours after they were last seen. Two other passengers, Sophie Russon, then 20, and Shane Loughlin, then 32, were found seriously injured with the Volkswagen Tiguan they had been travelling in.
Independent Investigation Findings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted a complex investigation focusing on how Gwent Police handled missing person reports made by the families of the five individuals. The probe assessed whether these reports were appropriately risk-assessed, reviewed and resourced.
Derrick Campbell, IOPC director, stated: "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the young people who tragically lost their lives, those who were left seriously injured and everyone affected by this incident." He emphasised the importance of thorough and independent scrutiny for maintaining public confidence in policing.
Breakdown of Misconduct Allegations
The IOPC determined that a police sergeant must answer a case for gross misconduct concerning their supervision of the missing persons enquiry. Another sergeant faces a misconduct case for allegedly failing to review all available information during a risk assessment.
Four police constables also face proceedings:
- One for alleged gross misconduct after failing to carry out basic enquiries and not recording and sharing information
- Two for alleged gross misconduct for failing to conduct house searches and providing dishonest accounts
- One of these constables was also criminally investigated, though insufficient evidence was found for charges
The fatal collision is believed to have occurred around 2am on 4 March 2023, with Gwent Police receiving the first missing persons report at approximately 7.30pm that same day. The group was discovered just after midnight on 6 March, 46 hours after their last contact.
More than 30 complaints were made by the victims' families regarding the actions of both Gwent Police and South Wales Police. The IOPC found that for more than half of these complaints, the service provided was unacceptable.
Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain of Gwent Police expressed continued condolences to the families and friends of those affected, acknowledging the investigation's impact and confirming the force's full cooperation. The force will now begin the process of holding the relevant misconduct hearings and meetings.
