Man’s contact with police before his death - Essex Police, October 2017

We investigated the contact that Essex Police had with a man before he died following an assault in October 2017. The force had investigated a number of prior incidents where the man had been the victim of abusive and threatening language, and physical assaults. The man who assaulted him was subsequently jailed for life for his murder.

Our investigators analysed and assessed significant amounts of documentary evidence.

Our investigation found that the man had been repeatedly targeted by local individuals both before and after an historic allegation of rape was made against him, which ultimately proved to be the motivating factor behind the assault that killed him. The evidence suggested Essex Police did attempt a number of prosecutions against those involved in victimising the man, with one proving successful. However, the man declined to support a number of potential prosecutions – including one against the man who would ultimately go on to murder him.

Essex Police addressed safeguarding and welfare concerns with other agencies, but one of the key elements to the man’s safety – namely a new address – could not be secured. The evidence suggested this ultimately proved to be a factor in his death.

Based on the evidence available we found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, or had committed a criminal offence.

Our investigation was put on hold until after the murder trial had concluded, and was completed in May 2019.