Gracie Spinks was just 23 when her life was tragically cut short at the hands of her stalker, Michael Sellars. On June 18, 2021, after attending to her horse near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Gracie was horrifically stabbed by Sellars, who was not only her stalker but also her former colleague. This devastating incident has since sparked a relentless campaign led by her family, particularly her father, Richard Spinks, and mother, Alison Ward, demanding significant reforms to how authorities handle stalking cases.
Following Gracie's death, the push for change gained momentum, culminating recently with the release of a significant report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This piece of work was commissioned after the Suzy Lamplugh Trust raised serious concerns two years prior — at the time, they filed a super-complaint advocating for clearer and more stringent laws around stalking. Richard, who has been vocal about the need for law enforcement to step up their game, expressed cautious optimism upon reviewing the findings.
"We are pleased with the results of the complaint raised by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and some of the items highlighted within it," Richard said. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond words to action. His hope is for police forces to follow through with their commitments: "It’s not just about one or two, but all of them taking stalking much more seriously."
The IOPC's report detailed numerous cases where police failed to identify stalking as the significant risk it presents, including scenarios involving potentially lethal situations. This oversight is especially troubling, as it diminishes the urgency needed to act decisively to protect victims. Richard pointed out the inadequacies he perceives when it came to recognizing the gravity of such crimes, making it clear there’s work desperately needed to change the culture within police forces.
Among the many findings was the alarmingly low utilization of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), which were introduced to offer more immediate protection to victims. The report suggested simplifying the rules governing these orders so law enforcement can use them more effectively. Significantly, the IOPC criticized police for their failure to take stalking seriously and for having flawed investigative processes, which highlighted broader issues within police attitudes and training.
Reflecting on the systemic failures revealed by the report, Richard added, "It's about raising the standards when it involves stalking, so these brutal acts can’t just slip through the cracks and happen again." This echoes the sentiments shared by many other victims of stalking, including driving instructor Bob Coughtrey, who himself was stalked by a former pupil. He recounted his experience, emphasizing the long-lasting impacts and the need for society to take the crime seriously.
Bob shared his story of being inundated by threatening messages and the emotional toll it has taken on him, stating, "I’m still trying to function. I’m always on my guard." His remarks dovetail with findings from the police watchdogs, which stated too often they see cases where proper recognition and responsive action to stalking are massively lacking.
The combined efforts of multiple police oversight bodies, including the College of Policing and the chief inspector of constabulary, have aimed to address these glaring issues head-on, but many believe these recommendations must now translate to actionable changes on the ground. Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke emphasized the importance of urgency around these efforts, remarking, "The seriousness of stalking should not be underestimated."
One particularly intriguing suggestion from the report was the use of artificial intelligence to help officers make sense of the sheer volume of information and cases they must handle. Incorporation of such technology could enable police to identify patterns and potential risks much earlier, ensuring victims receive the protection they need before situations escalate.
Emma Lingley-Clark, interim chief executive at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, described the report’s findings as significant. She called it pivotal for police forces to demonstrate genuine commitment to improving outcomes for stalking victims. "It’s not enough to just state intentions. We now need to see real actions to prevent the numerous failures we have seen encountered by stalking victims," she declared.
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips underlined the importance of addressing these findings. Stalking, she noted, is "an insidious crime” with devastating consequences, leaving survivors with long-lasting emotional and psychological scars. She acknowledged the report’s recommendations and stressed the government’s commitment to reviewing their response to the issue comprehensively.
Richard Spinks hopes the report will serve as the catalyst for absolute transformation within police procedures, pushing for higher training standards and firm accountability measures. He believes they need to respond adequately to victims’ needs, stating, "Nothing can change the past, but I hope for other families facing needless tragedy like we did, the police will be able to act more effectively next time.”
With his relentless focus on change, Richard described his commitment as not just about Gracie's memory, but rather for all victims of stalking. His sentiments resonate deeply with other advocates for change, drawing attention to the urgent need to challenge society’s indifference to the suffering stalkers can cause and the responses they receive from those meant to protect.
Despite the pain of losing his daughter, Richard continues to forge ahead with this mission, aiming to bring honor to Gracie’s legacy, steering not only for change but for tangible improvements to stop future tragedies. If the recent report isn’t just words on paper but the start of real reform, the Spinks family’s struggle might mean safety for others down the line.
