Six police officers will face disciplinary proceedings for misconduct in relation to a crash that killed three people in Cardiff in March 2023. Eve Smith, Darcy Ross, both 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, were found dead at the scene on the A48 in St Mellons, nearly 48 hours after they were last seen. Two passengers in the Volkswagen Tiguan involved were seriously injured.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) examined Gwent Police's response to missing person reports, including risk assessments, reviews, and resources. It determined six officers should face proceedings. Derrick Campbell, IOPC director, said the investigation was complex and resource-intensive but necessary for public confidence.
A police sergeant has a case to answer for gross misconduct over supervision of the missing persons inquiry. A police constable faces gross misconduct for allegedly failing to carry out basic inquiries, including not recording and sharing information. Two constables face gross misconduct for allegedly failing to conduct house searches and giving dishonest accounts. Another constable faces misconduct for inadequate house searches, and a sergeant faces misconduct for failing to review information during a risk assessment.
The IOPC examined over 30 complaints from families regarding actions by Gwent and South Wales police, including communication failures and not progressing information from relatives. Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain of Gwent Police acknowledged the impact on families and confirmed cooperation with the IOPC. Misconduct hearings and meetings will now proceed.
