Six Gwent Police officers are set to face disciplinary actions following a tragic crash in St Mellons, Cardiff, which left three young friends dead. After a night out in March 2023, driver Rafel Jeanne-Actie, 24, along with passengers Darcy Ross and Eve Smith, both 21, tragically lost their lives. Survivors Sophie Russon and Shane Loughlin suffered serious injuries.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a thorough investigation into the handling of missing person reports that were made prior to the group being discovered. Their investigation has now concluded that some officers, including a police sergeant responsible for overseeing the inquiry, failed to conduct crucial inquiries like house searches. The IOPC’s findings indicate a significant lack of urgency in pursuing the missing person reports.
The crash is believed to have occurred around 2am on March 4, with initial missing person reports filed by 7:30pm that day. Heartbreakingly, the group wasn’t found until after midnight on March 6 in a wooded area just off the A48 in St Mellons.
Four officers are facing accusations of gross misconduct, including providing dishonest reports and neglecting basic procedures. One officer faced a criminal investigation for potential misconduct, but no charges were made. The IOPC has also recommended that several officers participate in a reflective practice review process to address performance issues.
The IOPC examined over 30 family complaints regarding police communication and investigation procedures. More than half were deemed inadequate. Reflecting on the tragedy, IOPC Director Derrick Campbell expressed ongoing sympathies for the victims and survivors, highlighting the need for rigorous scrutiny to uphold public trust in policing.
Gwent Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Nicky Brain, extended condolences to the affected families, acknowledging the investigation’s profound impact. Misconduct hearings will proceed to ensure accountability and transparency.
Stay updated as this story unfolds. Our thoughts remain with the victims, survivors, and all touched by this unfortunate event.