IPCC issues findings from investigation into Hertfordshire Police handling of Angela Hoyt's report of harassment

3 May 2012 02:43 PM

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has yesterday issued its findings from an investigation into Hertfordshire Police’s response to Angela Hoyt’s report of harassment a few days before her death.

The IPCC independent investigation concluded in December last year but making the findings public has awaited an inquest. At Hatfield Coroner’s Court today the Coroner recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.

The IPCC found no evidence of misconduct by the officers who dealt with Angela Hoyt and that Hertfordshire Police acted appropriately in their handling of her report of harassment.

After initially phoning police, Angela went into Hatfield Police Station on the afternoon of 20 May 2011 to report problems she was having with her ex-partner, Martin Collett. A statement was taken which detailed that Mr Collett had accessed her email and social networking accounts on several occasions sending messages to her friends and family. The statement also described Mr Collett’s use of intimidating language and Angela reported feeling harassed and like Mr Collett was trying to ruin her life. A police constable spent over four hours with Angela that afternoon and made all possible efforts to ascertain an accurate picture of the situation. Officers made relevant checks on the Police National Computer and force intelligence systems, and a Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment Risk Assessment booklet (known as a DASH) was completed in accordance with force policy.

The assessment concluded Angela Hoyt to be ‘Standard Risk’ meaning the ‘current information, intelligence or evidence does not indicate likelihood of causing serious harm’. There was no apparent history of violence or previous police attendance.  It was agreed a Police Information Notice (PIN) would be served on Mr Collett warning him as to his future conduct.

A written warning was reasonable in the circumstances and appeared the most suitable way of trying to get Mr Collett to desist. The notice informs the individual that they may be prosecuted for the criminal offence of harassment if their conduct does not stop. Ms Hoyt decided she did not want the PIN to be served until legal papers regarding the house had been drawn up and signed by Mr Collett which she expected to be in a week’s time. An officer agreed to contact Ms Hoyt the following week, provided her with advice regarding telephoning 999 if she had any further problems, and confirmed with her she was happy to return home. Officers correctly submitted a draft PIN and witness statement to an inspector for approval, who supported the reasoning and way forward.

At around 5:20pm on Tuesday 24 May 2011 Angela’s sister contacted the police from her home in Canada to express concern that she had not been able to make contact with her sister for a number of days. Officers went to Angela’s home that evening and, after making enquiries with a neighbour and a friend, they forced open the door and went inside at approximately 11.30pm, where they found Ms Hoyt dead.

A murder enquiry was launched but, after Martin Collett was found dead close to Hatfield train station on Friday 27 May 2011, police confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection to Angela’s death.

IPCC Commissioner Sarah Green said: “First and foremost, this is an incredibly sad case and my thoughts are with Angela’s family. Our independent investigation has established that police treated Angela’s harassment report seriously and planned action to help her which was proportionate and appropriate on the information available. Police could not reasonably have predicted the awful events which unfolded over a relatively short period of time.”

On an area of best practice, the IPCC has recommended Hertfordshire Police implement a nationally approved policy of asking specific additional questions where harassment is initially identified through the DASH risk assessment. The 11 additional questions are designed to give officers the opportunity to drill down and obtain further information on an offender’s predatory behaviour. Hertfordshire Police have accepted this recommendation, and will be amending its DASH booklets shortly.

For media enquiries please contact the IPCC press office on 0207-166-3239.