EXCLUSIVE: Gracie Spinks' dad outlines plans to bring stalking education into schools

Richard Spinks wants more young people to learn about the dangers around stalking while they're still in the classroom

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 15th Mar 2024
Last updated 15th Mar 2024

The dad of a Derbyshire woman, murdered by her stalker, tells us he's eager to educate young people about the issue - by taking his daughter's story to local schools.

23-year-old Gracie Spinks was killed by Michael Sellers in Duckmanton - just months after she'd reported him to Derbyshire Police back in 2021.

Sellers' body was found nearby to Gracie's - shortly after she was found dead.

Gracie's dad- Richard - has been speaking exclusively to us about his plans to carry on his daughter's legacy:

"If I can get into some classrooms and talk to these young people about Gracie's story, it may make them think twice about certain things which could put them in jeopardy.

"Educating the younger element of the population around the pitfalls of social media is something I'd like to be involved with.

"I'd like Gracie's story to be told in classrooms, just to get the message out there that you've got to be careful around what you do and say online.

"Gracie did absolutely nothing wrong - in fact, she did everything right - and it still ended tragically for her.

"It's time for change, and we've got to keep making progress around stalking awareness."

An inquest last year into Gracie's death established Derbyshire Police had admitted multiple failings over its investigation into her complaint against her stalker.

Hear the latest news from across the UK every hour, on Planet Rock on DAB, smartspeaker, and on the Rayo app.