Shropshire Star

Kevin Nunes: Top police officer not yet in the clear

A newly-appointed chief constable could still face misconduct charges over her role in the botched Kevin Nunes murder investigation.

Published

Kevin Nunes was found dead in a country lane in Pattingham on the Shropshire border in 2002.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has recommended that Staffordshire Chief Constable Jane Sawyers face two counts of misconduct, the Star understands.

This is despite Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis ruling that she has no case to answer over the investigation into the gangland killing.

The IPCC has insisted: "The IPCC retains the power to direct misconduct hearings if appropriate."

Mrs Sawyers, who was the superintendent in charge of professional standards during the murder probe, was made permanent chief constable last month.

In 2008, Levi Walker, from Birmingham; Adam Joof, of Willenhall; Antonio Christie, of Tipton; Michael Osbourne and Owen Crooks, both from Wolverhampton, were jailed for the murder. But the convictions were quashed after "corruption, dishonesty and falsification" in Staffordshire's Sensitive Policing Unit were exposed.

The IPCC launched an investigation into the conduct of 14 former and serving Staffordshire police officers – including three current chief constables. None face criminal prosecution but the six serving officers may face internal police disciplinary action.

An IPCC spokesman refused to confirm the findings of its four-year inquiry.

Mr Ellis said he had consulted independent experts before coming to his conclusion. He said: "Accountability is something which I believe is far too often lacking when things go wrong in public life. But it is also important that the search for the truth is based on fairness, honesty and as much certainty as is possible as to the facts.

"I provided my determinations to the IPCC some months ago and they agreed in June with three of my conclusions and asked me to reconsider my position on two.

"I confirmed that no new information had been presented to change my determination and await their response."

Staffordshire Police said it was inappropriate to comment.

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