The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has sharply criticised Avon and Somerset Police over multiple shortcomings in their response to the death of Kelly Faiers, which has since become the subject of a murder inquiry. The IOPC’s investigation concluded that the service provided to Ms Faiers’ family was unacceptable.
Kelly Faiers died in October 2023 at a property in Minehead, Somerset, where Richard Scatchard, a convicted sex offender, resided. After her death, Scatchard was recalled to prison for breaching probation conditions.
On the early morning of October 15, 2023, Ms Faiers fell critically ill, and Scatchard called emergency services. Paramedics arrived and pronounced her dead. Avon and Somerset Police met Scatchard at the scene and then left without thoroughly questioning him, which caused significant concern for Ms Faiers’ family given his criminal history.
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Although officers noted suspicious behaviour and considered arresting Scatchard, they were advised by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to treat the death as suspicious at that time. The following day, the police reversed this decision and launched a murder inquiry. However, Scatchard had already left the property.
The IOPC found the police’s communication with the family severely lacking. Key details about Scatchard’s presence at the scene and his offending background were withheld for nine days. The family was also not promptly informed that the death was now considered suspicious—this notification only came after a missing person appeal for Scatchard was publicly issued. His identity and criminal record were later disclosed to the media before the family received any official communication.
Scatchard was subsequently found dead in a caravan in Watchet.
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell expressed condolences to the family and highlighted the force’s failures: “Avon and Somerset Police could and should have done better in these tragic circumstances. We found the service provided was unacceptable regarding the actions of three officers. While their conduct did not justify disciplinary action, they will undergo reflective practice reviews to learn from these failings.”
The investigation included statements from family members and officers, review of incident logs and policy evaluation. The IOPC did not find evidence requiring organisational change but emphasised the need for individual learning.
In response, Avon and Somerset Police issued an apology to Ms Faiers’ family, acknowledging the distress caused by delayed communication and decisions made post-incident. They noted that the delay in informing the family about the suspicious nature of the death was partly due to difficulty locating trained family liaison officers, and recognized failing in how Scatchard’s presence and criminal history were conveyed.
The force also admitted the decision not to arrest Scatchard at the scene fell short of expectations but declined further comment due to ongoing coronial proceedings.