Officers to Face Hearings Over Tragic Crash Response
Six police officers from Gwent Police are set to face misconduct proceedings following an independent investigation into their response to missing persons reports made before a fatal car crash that claimed three young lives.
The incident, which occurred on the A48 in the St Mellons area of Cardiff in March 2023, resulted in the deaths of Eve Smith and Darcy Ross, both 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24. They were found deceased at the scene alongside their Volkswagen Tiguan - nearly 48 hours after they were last seen.
Two other passengers in the vehicle were discovered with serious injuries and required immediate medical attention.
IOPC Investigation Uncovers Serious Failings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a complex investigation examining how Gwent Police handled missing person reports filed by concerned family members. The probe specifically assessed whether these reports received appropriate risk assessment, review and resourcing.
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 emphasized that thorough independent scrutiny was essential for public confidence in policing following such a tragic event.
The investigation examined more than 30 complaints from the families of those involved, raising concerns about communication from both Gwent Police and South Wales Police, and alleging that information provided by relatives wasn't properly progressed.
Specific Allegations Against Officers
The IOPC determined that six officers should face disciplinary proceedings with varying levels of seriousness:
- A police sergeant faces gross misconduct allegations for inadequate supervision of the missing persons inquiry
- A police constable faces gross misconduct allegations for failing to conduct basic inquiries and not recording and sharing information
- Two police constables face gross misconduct allegations for failing to conduct house searches and providing dishonest accounts to supervisors and investigators
- A police constable faces misconduct allegations for not carrying out adequate house searches
- A police sergeant faces misconduct allegations for failing to review all available information during risk assessments for the missing women
Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain of Gwent Police expressed continued condolences to the families and friends of those who died or were injured, acknowledging the investigation's impact on them.
Gwent Police will now arrange disciplinary panels to consider the evidence and reach decisions based on all available information, having fully cooperated with the IOPC investigation.
