Sussex Police reiterates 'mistakes made' in handling of Shana Grice case
A TV documentary has led to renewed interest in the investigation
Last updated 25th Mar 2021
Sussex Police have reiterated that it made mistakes in the handling of the case of a Portslade teenager killed by her stalker.
It follows renewed public interest in Shana Grice's murder, following the airing of a Sky television documentary, Murder in Slow Motion: The Shana Grice Story.
Shana, who was 19, was killed in August 2016 by ex-partner Michael Lane, who she had reported to police five times.
Officers did not take action on any of those occasions, instead choosing to fine and caution Shana for wasting police time.
Lane was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years in March 2017.
In a statement, Sussex Police said it had 'long accepted' the failures to look into Lane's behaviour and apologised for what had been highlighted.
"What happened should not have happened and we have learned many lessons.
"We have since invested more resource, delivered better training and improved processes to prevent this from happening to anyone else.
"We are committed to protecting our communities and to preventing violence, sexual violence and controlling behaviour against women and girls.
The force went on to add that officers had 'undertaken all of the recommendations made' in a serious of independent reviews by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Brighton & Hove Safe In the City Partnership and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Service (HMICFRS)
Three police officers faced misconduct hearings and a further three police officers and three members of police staff received management advice and training.
Of the three that underwent hearings, one case of gross misconduct was found proved, one was not, and the third faced internal proceedings and was given a final written warning for conduct.
Since they were introduced in January 2020, Sussex Police has issued more Stalking Protection Orders than anywhere else in the country.
A Sussex Police spokesperson added:
"We remain committed to further improvements and we encourage women to come forward with the knowledge that our officers and staff are better trained and will take all reports seriously.
"You can report stalking or harassment online, by calling 101 or in person at your local police station. Always call 999 if you are in danger."
Many support services for women are available in Sussex and these can be found on the Sussex Safe Space website.