Police Officer Receives Written Warning After Fatal Delay in Domestic Murder Response
A police officer who failed to enter a home despite hearing dozens of loud thuds as a man murdered his wife with a skateboard has been given a written warning. The unnamed constable waited outside the terraced house in Newmarket, Suffolk, for thirty-five minutes on November 28, 2023, while Olubunmi Abodunde, 50, delivered a ferocious beating to his wife Taiwo, 41, with the toy.
Fatal Delay and Inadequate Response
By the time the PC and a probationary colleague entered the property, mother-of-three Mrs Abodunde had suffered fatal injuries, with her skull smashed in by the powerful blows. A pathologist later reported being unable to determine exactly how many strikes she had sustained due to the severity of the attack. The officer had visited the home the previous day when Abodunde assaulted his wife, giving her a split lip, which led to his arrest and subsequent release on bail with conditions to stay away.
Despite hearing over fifty loud noises from inside the house, indicating a violent assault, the constable delayed entry. Neighbours have since questioned the lack of serious consequences for the officers involved, suggesting Mrs Abodunde might still be alive if they had acted immediately. One local told the Mail, "She could be alive now if they'd done something."
Investigation Outcomes and Officer Accountability
The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigated three officers for misconduct or gross misconduct following the incident. The probationary PC resigned during the probe and faced no disciplinary proceedings. An acting sergeant, who advised the officers not to enter the property despite concerns for Mrs Abodunde's wellbeing, was cleared of any misconduct.
The more experienced constable was cleared of gross misconduct but received a written improvement notice for unsatisfactory performance. IOPC director Emily Barry stated, "The meeting found that a police constable failed to perform their duties. This relates to them delaying entry into Mrs Abodunde's home on November 28, despite having concerns for her wellbeing."
Court Proceedings and Background of the Case
Olubunmi Abodunde admitted murdering his wife during a violent attack that included hitting her so hard with a skateboard that it was damaged. He was jailed for life at Ipswich Crown Court in May 2024, with a minimum term of seventeen years. The court heard he was jealous and suspicious throughout his marriage, accusing his wife of affairs.
Suffolk Police had been involved with the couple several times over alleged domestic violence incidents before Mrs Abodunde's death. On the day of the murder, Abodunde returned home after a night shift at Tesco, claiming he wanted his mobile phone. The PCs arrived at 9:20 AM to take a statement but did not enter until 9:55 AM, immediately confirming Mrs Abodunde was "obviously dead."
Details of the Attack and Aftermath
A post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Abodunde had been throttled until unconscious, then stamped on until her ribs broke, before her husband used the skateboard to deliver the final blows. Prosecutor Simon Spence KC noted the banging heard by police was likely Abodunde continuing the attack after his wife was unconscious or dead.
The family, who arrived in the UK from Nigeria in 2022, clashed over money issues and alleged infidelity. Abodunde, a trained civil engineer unable to find work in the sector, took shifts at supermarkets and DIY stores. Following his arrest, he claimed self-defence, alleging his wife ran at him with a knife, but no knife was found near her body.
Defence counsel Nneka Akudolu KC argued the violence was "completely out of character" and possibly influenced by medication, though no medical evidence supported this. A written improvement notice, as issued to the constable, remains in effect for twelve months, with further action only if performance fails to improve.
Ben Hudson, branch secretary for Suffolk Police Federation, commented, "Officers regularly make complex decisions in fast-moving and uncertain situations, particularly during responses to domestic incidents. While such decisions are rightly scrutinised, it is important that outcomes are communicated fairly."
