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Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson has responded to today’s IOPC publication of its managed investigation into complaints concerning Wiltshire Police’s handling of the murder investigation of Becky Godden-Edwards, also known as Rebecca Godden.
He said: “My heartfelt sympathies lay with Karen, and the families of both victims. We should never forget at the very heart of this is a grieving family who have lost their loved one in the most horrific and unimaginable way.
“My overriding concern since taking office has been to ensure a swift, but appropriate, conclusion for all involved and, while I appreciate the complex nature of this IOPC-managed investigation, I am extremely disappointed Karen has had to wait five years to have her complaints finalised.
“Those complaints directly named three members of Wiltshire Police – two former employees and my current Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, when he held a more junior rank.
“After a lengthy investigation, the IOPC determined there was a case to answer for misconduct relating to CC Pritchard’s oversight and scrutiny at a time when he was responsible, in part, for overall oversight of aspects of Becky’s murder investigation. This has been dealt with by me via management action.
“The IOPC also determined Wiltshire Police missed significant opportunities to bring an earlier conviction for Becky’s murder, with the inquiry being poorly progressed and supervised. It is highly disappointing to see these conclusions being drawn.
“It has always been of the utmost importance to me if significant errors and weaknesses of leadership occurred – both organisationally and personally – which meant opportunities were missed to bring an earlier conviction, and justice for Becky’s family, that these were recognised by Wiltshire Police and my current Chief Constable.
“Both myself, the Chief Constable and a Wiltshire Police representative, have met with Karen to provide her with an unreserved apology on a personal level and on behalf of the organisation. This apology has been extended to further family members of both victims.
“Chief Constable Pritchard and I were able to explain Wiltshire Police has fully accepted the IOPC’s recommendations and highlighted what steps have been taken to ensure those significant failures identified can never happen again.
“My hope is, that while I know this outcome will never give back those years spent fighting for her complaints to be recognised and actioned, where appropriate, this result will go some way to providing a sense of clarity for Karen and her family.”
Friday 2 September 2022