Independent Police Complaints Commission
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IPCC investigating handling of North Wales 1976 murder and rape investigation
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is independently investigating the conduct of North Wales Police (NWP) over its handling of a 1976 murder and rape investigation.
North Wales Police voluntarily referred the matter after further information came to light prompting a review of the circumstances surrounding the initial investigation.
The new information connected another man to the rape and murder of 15-year-old Janet Commins, of Flint in January 1976. Stephen Hough was charged with the offences by NWP in September last year.
The IPCC is investigating whether North Wales Police officers in the initial 1976 investigation acted in accordance with the rules in place at the time relating to their detention and interviewing of suspects, as well as how the force handled new information that came to light in 2006.
IPCC investigators have gathered relevant documentation from the force, and met with Janet’s family to explain our role.
IPCC Commissioner for Wales, Jan Williams, said: “This will be a complex investigation not least because of the passage of time, but it is important for all concerned that we independently investigate the case.”
In June 1976, a man was jailed for 12 years for the manslaughter of Janet Commins.
As criminal proceedings are ongoing, we are unable to provide further information at present.
