Police Disciplinary Action Following Tragic Crash
Six police officers from Gwent Police are set to face disciplinary proceedings following an independent investigation into their handling of a missing persons report that ended in tragedy. The case concerns the deaths of three young friends who were found in a crashed vehicle days after the incident occurred.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The fatal crash occurred in the St Mellons area of Cardiff in the early hours of March 4, 2023. Driver Rafel Jeanne-Actie, 24, and passengers Darcy Ross and Eve Smith, both 21, lost their lives following a night out. Two other individuals, Sophie Russon from Newport and Shane Loughlin from Cardiff, were seriously injured but survived, waiting for help to arrive for approximately two days.
The first missing person report concerning the group was made at around 7.30pm on March 4. However, the group was not discovered until shortly after midnight on March 6, when they were found in a wooded area off the A48 in St Mellons.
IOPC Investigation Findings
Following a mandatory referral, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted a thorough examination of Gwent Police's response. The investigation focused on whether the missing persons reports made by family members between March 4 and 5 were appropriately risk-assessed, reviewed, and resourced.
The IOPC has concluded that six officers should face disciplinary proceedings, with four having a case to answer for gross misconduct. A police sergeant faces allegations concerning the supervision and oversight of the missing person investigation on March 5. One police constable is accused of gross misconduct for allegedly failing to carry out basic inquiries, including the recording and sharing of information.
Two other constables were deemed to have a case to answer for gross misconduct after allegedly failing to conduct house searches as per Gwent Police policy and subsequently providing dishonest accounts to their supervisor and IOPC investigators. One of these officers was criminally investigated for potential offences of misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice, though the IOPC found insufficient evidence for a Crown Prosecution Service referral.
Another constable allegedly failed to carry out adequate house searches, while a separate police sergeant is accused of failing to review all available information during a risk assessment for the missing women.
Family Complaints and Force Response
The IOPC also examined more than 30 complaints from the families of those involved regarding the actions of both Gwent Police and South Wales Police. These complaints covered issues such as communication with families, failure to progress information provided by relatives, and inter-force communication. The IOPC determined that for more than half of these complaints, the service provided was unacceptable.
The IOPC has recommended that several officers and staff take part in the Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP), a non-disciplinary, learning-focused procedure. Two other Gwent Police officers who faced misconduct allegations have been told to undertake RPRP for remarks made at the scene of the collision.
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. This investigation has been complex and resource-intensive but it is important for public confidence in policing that this tragic incident was subject to thorough and independent scrutiny."
Nicky Brain, Deputy Chief Constable of Gwent Police, added: "Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the family and friends of Darcy, Eve, and Rafel who tragically lost their lives and those who sustained injuries that night. We acknowledge the impact that this investigation has had on them and understand how important the findings of the IOPC will be to all those affected and the wider community."
Gwent Police has confirmed it will now begin the process to hold the relevant misconduct hearings and meetings.
