Gwent Police: Three officers suspended in racist message probe

Three Gwent Police officers have been suspended after a watchdog launched an investigation into claims of racism, misogyny and homophobia in the force.

It comes after offensive messages were reportedly found on the phone of a retired police officer Ricky Jones, who took his own life in 2020.

The messages were discovered by his family.

Mr Jones's daughter said she was upset after learning of the suspensions via the media.

As well as offensive content, the messages - first reported by the Sunday Times - were said to show evidence of corruption within the force.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) said several serving officers were under investigation and it would keep the involvement of other officers under review.

It comes on the same day a Gwent Police officer was sacked for sending inappropriate text messages to three women in a separate case.

Two senior police officers in the same force were also dismissed for gross misconduct following an incident at a social event.

The revelations have put pressure on the senior leadership of Gwent Police, including Chief Constable Pam Kelly and Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert.

IOPC director for Wales Catrin Evans said: "On the basis of our assessment of the conduct referrals received so far, we have decided that an independent investigation is essential to maintain public confidence."

Gwent Police said the three officers had been suspended for allegations of misconduct.

The family of Mr Jones found the messages after searching his phone for evidence of domestic abuse.

His widow and daughter said he was controlling and abusive at home.

Mr Jones's daughter said the family was "upset" that it was learning the details of the IOPC investigation and suspensions from the media rather than from Gwent Police, Wiltshire Police or the watchdog.

Emma, whose name has been changed, said: "It's a shame that we've had to go public for this to happen. This should have happened years ago when we raised it originally.

"I think to myself 'what would have happened if we hadn't made it public? Would any of these officers have been suspended in the end? Would it have just been covered up'?"

She added that the "family of an abuser" should not have to go through more pain by making this issue public "just for the police to do the right thing".

The Sunday Times article reported that WhatsApp and Facebook messages showed Gwent Police officers discussing the sexual harassment of junior female colleagues as well as racism, homophobic and misogynistic abuse, leaking of sensitive police material and corruption.

A subsequent report said veteran police officers joked about Jimmy Savile rescuing the Thai schoolboys who were trapped in a cave and swapped nude pictures of a female footballer.

The IOPC said Wiltshire Police would continue to look at Gwent Police's handling of its investigation into Mr Jones's death and officers' contact with relatives.

It said the family would have the right for a review if they were not happy with the outcome.

The family have told BBC Wales they want an independent investigation, rather than other police forces carrying it out.

The IOPC decision follows referrals from Gwent Police, which was asked by the watchdog for further information after the messages came to light, and Wiltshire Police.

Gwent had referred several serving and former officers to the IOPC.

Ms Evans said: "I recognise that many people will find the messages aired in the public domain, apparently shared among police officers, highly disturbing.

"After publication of the national newspaper article, we formally wrote to the chief constable of Gwent Police requesting they provide us with information to establish the chain of events and decisions taken in relation to the family's complaints, and any conduct matters."

Gwent Police said it was "committed to working with" the IOPC to ensure "a full and transparent process to tackle any unacceptable behaviour by officers".

"Following allegations published in The Sunday Times on Sunday 13 and 20 November we have worked to identify the officers involved and to take appropriate action," it added.

Sunday Times journalist David Collins told the BBC Walescast podcast: "The way these investigations work is it won't just end with Ricky Jones's phone.

"I do think they've got a huge can of worms here that has been opened up."