Seven cops served disciplinary notices after three die in horror crash

01 March 2024 , 12:36

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Eve Smith was found lifeless two days after she was reported missing by her family (Image: Media Wales)

Seven cops have been slapped with disciplinary notices linked to misconduct or gross misconduct following their handling of a crash which killed three people.

Eve Smith, 21, and Darcy Ross, 21, both of Newport, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, of Cardiff, were tragically found dead in the early hours of March 6. The trio were found around 48 hours after the Volkswagen Tiguan they were travelling in crashed off the A48 near the city of St Mellons in Wales. Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, survived the catastrophic crash.

The victims' loved ones first reported them missing on March 4 and launched numerous appeals following their fears over their disappearance. Now, the Independent Office for Police Conduct has revealed that seven Gwent Police officers were put under investigation, with one of them facing a criminal investigation for reportedly falsifying their witness statement.

Darcy Ross sadly died in the crash last year (Media Wales)

The IOPC said they have broadened the investigation after receiving complaints from the victims' families. They confirmed they are examining concerns over the police handling of the missing person investigations and communication with the families.

The disciplinary notices served are:

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• Two officers concerning their review of missing person reports – one officer for potential misconduct and another, who was previously served at the level of misconduct, now for possible gross misconduct.
• One officer for potential gross misconduct concerning their face-to-face communication with family members at a police station and how they dealt with the information received.
• Two officers at the level of gross misconduct concerning whether or not they carried out searches of the homes of two of the people reported missing - one of these officers is also under criminal investigation for allegedly falsifying their witness statement.
• Two officers at the level of misconduct concerning alleged remarks made at the collision scene.

Rafel Jeanne was another victim of the crash (John Myers)

The serving of these notices does not necessarily mean disciplinary or criminal proceedings will follow. IOPC director David Ford said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families and friends of the young people who tragically lost their lives, those who were left seriously injured, and everyone affected by this incident. Since the start of our investigation, we have expanded our work to investigate a number of detailed complaints from the families affected.

"As a result, seven Gwent Police officers have been advised that they are under investigation. We continue to analyse a significant volume of evidence and assess whether police actions following the missing person reports were in accordance with local and national policies and procedures. At the end of our investigation, we will make decisions as to whether any officer should face disciplinary proceedings and whether any matters should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Family and friends paid tribute at a vigil in St Mellons (PA)

“While we have carried out additional work to address the concerns raised, we will conclude our investigation as soon as possible. It is important for all concerned that our independent investigation is comprehensive and thorough. In the course of the investigation, we have carried out interviews with and taken statements from family members, relevant police personnel including officers who attended the collision scene, those who took the missing person reports, control room staff, and officers who reviewed and determined the risk assessment gradings."

Monica Charsley