Two Staffordshire Police officers are facing disciplinary action after a series of failures in the search for a suicidal man who subsequently took his own life. James Bond, aged 33, was found dead in his car in a layby off the A50 after taking an overdose in the early hours of September 21, 2024. An inquest ruled his death a suicide this week.
Officers' Actions Under Scrutiny
PC Gareth Mycock and PC Rhys Horton-Birch arrived at James Bond's girlfriend's address in Chell Heath at 2:24 am. They were informed that Bond had swallowed a number of pills before leaving in his car and were given the route he was most likely to have taken. Instead of following this route, the officers drove to Hanley Police and Fire Station, where they stayed for 34 minutes. They then drove off in the opposite direction and accepted another job at 4:40 am, despite Bond not having been found.
Identified Failings
The inquest identified five key failings: failure to identify Bond as a missing person; failure to categorise him as a missing person; inadequate oversight and supervision of the reported incident; failure to provide sufficient and adequate updates; and failure to follow the route as directed. Despite these failures, the inquest found they did not contribute to Bond's death.
IOPC Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) completed its investigation in November 2025 and concluded that both officers have a case to answer for gross misconduct. An IOPC spokesperson stated: 'An investigation we carried out into the Staffordshire Police response after James Bond was reported missing, prior to his death, concluded that two serving officers have a case to answer over their conduct.' The alleged breaches include failures to record and follow up information that may have led to missed opportunities to locate Bond promptly. It is also alleged that one officer breached standards for honesty and integrity regarding an update provided to the force control room during the search.
The IOPC added: 'Now that the inquest into Mr Bond's death has concluded it will be for Staffordshire Police to arrange the disciplinary proceedings, which they are responsible for organising. Our thoughts are with Mr Bond's family and everyone else affected by his death.'
Police Response
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts remain with James Bond's family and friends. Following James' death we made a mandatory referral to the IOPC who have investigated the circumstances independently. During a coroner's inquest evidence presented showed the officers' actions were not a contributory factor in James' death. Following conclusion of the independent IOPC investigation, disciplinary misconduct proceedings are being brought against two officers.'
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