Police Watchdog Orders Misconduct Proceedings After Fatal Crash
Six police officers from Gwent Police are set to face disciplinary proceedings following an independent investigation into their handling of the events surrounding a catastrophic crash in Cardiff that claimed three young lives. The collision, which occurred on the A48 in the St Mellons area, resulted in the deaths of Eve Smith and Darcy Ross, both 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24.
The victims were discovered at the scene on March 6, 2023, nearly 48 hours after they were last seen. Two other passengers, Sophie Russon, then 20, and Shane Loughlin, then 32, were found seriously injured alongside the Volkswagen Tiguan they had been travelling in.
Investigation Reveals Critical Failures in Missing Persons Enquiry
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a complex investigation into how Gwent Police handled the missing persons reports filed for the group between March 4 and March 5, 2023. It is believed the fatal collision happened around 2am on March 4, with the first missing person report received by police at approximately 7.30pm that same day.
The police watchdog examined whether the reports were appropriately risk-assessed, reviewed, and resourced. In a statement, the IOPC determined that six officers should face disciplinary proceedings for their roles in the failed response.
The officers facing allegations include:
- A police sergeant accused of gross misconduct for their supervision of the missing persons enquiry.
- A police constable with a case to answer for gross misconduct for allegedly failing to carry out basic enquiries and not recording and sharing vital information.
- Two police constables facing gross misconduct allegations for failing to conduct house searches per Gwent Police policy and subsequently providing dishonest accounts to supervisors and IOPC investigators.
- A police constable who has a case to answer for misconduct for not carrying out adequate house searches.
- A police sergeant facing misconduct allegations for failing to review all available information during a risk assessment for the missing women.
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 that thorough and independent scrutiny was essential for public confidence in policing.
Families' Complaints and Ongoing Proceedings
The IOPC received more than 30 complaints from family members concerning the actions of both Gwent Police and South Wales Police. A spokesman confirmed that for more than half of these complaints, the service provided was deemed unacceptable, with recommendations for several officers and staff to undergo reflective practice.
One of the constables accused of gross misconduct for failing to conduct house searches was also criminally investigated. However, the IOPC found insufficient evidence to refer charges of misconduct in a public office or perverting the course of justice to the Crown Prosecution Service.
In relation to the crash itself, two individuals connected to the Volkswagen Tiguan have been convicted of motoring offences. Shane Loughlin, a passenger in the car at the time of the crash, was jailed for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. Previously, Joel Lia was fined for driving the vehicle without a licence or insurance an hour before the fatal collision; he had left the vehicle shortly before it crashed.
An initial inquest into the deaths was adjourned pending further histology and toxicology test results.
Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain of Gwent Police expressed the force's continued condolences to the families and friends of those who died or were injured. She confirmed the force's full cooperation with the IOPC and stated that the process to hold the requisite misconduct hearings and meetings would now begin.
