Sylvia Crowther

Assistant Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police 

By Email Only 

Emma Whitting 

Senior Coroner for Bedfordshire & Luton 

15th April 2024 

Dear Ms Whitting, 

RE:  Regulation 29 response to Coroners’ regulation 28 report to prevent future 

deaths in relation to the inquest into the death of Sylvia Crowther 

I write in my capacity as the Assistant Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police and in response 

to  the  regulation  28  notice  dated  28  February  2024.  I  understand  this  matter  involves  a 

vulnerable female who built up the courage to contact Bedfordshire Police on 3 January 2023, 

to report being the victim of domestic abuse (“DA”) by her husband.  

Statistics  taken  from  the  National  Centre  for  Domestic  Violence  inform  us  that  a  domestic 

related call is made to the police every 30 seconds.  Less than 24% of all domestic victims 

ever report their abuse to the Police.  It is estimated that around 3 women per week die by 

suicide as a result of Domestic Violence (“DV”). 

There is a national strategic policing requirement for forces to tackle Violence Against Women 

and  Girls  (“VAWG”),  supported  by  a  delivery  framework.  Tackling  VAWG,  in  particular 

domestic abuse, is a Bedfordshire Police priority.  Officers and staff within Bedfordshire Police 

have undertaken ‘DA matters’ training and the force now have a total of 38 DA champions 

across a variety of Policing functions.  

When  a  victim  contacts  Bedfordshire  Police,  it  is  crucial  that  my  Officers  are  seen  to  be 

trustworthy, compassionate, and sympathetic to ensure they gain the victim’s trust. At a time 

of heightened national concern about VAWG, Officers and Staff within Bedfordshire Police are 

encouraged  to  deal  proactively  with  alleged  perpetrators  of  DV.  We  understand  from  the 

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 charity  Refuge  that  leaving  an  abusive partner  is  a process rather than a  single  act,  which 

takes on average seven attempts.  

On 3 January 2023, Mrs Crowther made serious DA allegations, naming her husband as the 

perpetrator.  I  would  expect  my  Officers  to  act  on  such  allegations  and  arrest  where 

appropriate.  I understand that happened in this case and, subsequently, safeguarding needs 

were identified and actioned to prevent further harm. Safeguarding was especially important 

in this case as Mrs Crowther was classed as vulnerable due to her disabilities.  Safeguarding 

concerns were heightened because the identified perpetrator was listed as her main carer.  

Policing involves the identification, balance and mitigation or management of competing risks., 

a process that involves gathering information from multiple sources, including from victims.  

Having considered the concerns you raise, I am satisfied our force has necessary procedures 

in place to ensure victims of DA are involved in conversations regarding important decisions, 

such as police bail.   

I  appreciate  that  on  this  occasion  the  investigating  Officer  overlooked  the  requirement  for 

interaction with the victim regarding imposing bail conditions on her husband. This meant that 

engagement did not take place until after the bail conditions had been imposed.  However, I 

believe  the  Officer  and  his  supervisor  felt  bail  was  necessary  due  to  serious  safeguarding 

concerns and I cannot see that the consultation would have made a material impact on the 

decision in the circumstances as they presented on this occasion. 

Nevertheless, reflective feedback has been provided to the individual Officer as well as to the 

wider Emerald Team in respect of the requirement for victim consultation regarding bail. To 

reassure  you,  a  process  is  embedded  across  the  force  where  upon  the  conclusion  of  the 

criminal  interview,  contact  is  made  with  the  victims  to  discuss  the  status  of  the  case,  the 

proposed outcomes - including discussions regarding what bail conditions are appropriate (if 

bail  is  decided)  -  and next  steps  in the  investigation.  During these  discussions,  victims  are 

encouraged to discuss any additional bail conditions they feel would be appropriate.  

Unfortunately, victims of DA investigations are not always supportive of Police action and over 

the years it has been found that over a third of DA cases are discontinued for this reason. In 

such  circumstances,  and  when  significant  concern  is  still  held  regarding  the  welfare  of  the 

victim,  Police  can  proceed  without  the  victim’s  support  in  what  is  called  an  evidence  led 

prosecution. In Mrs Crowther’s case, after considering all records held on file, this  was the 

decision made.  

The overarching concern throughout this investigation, was the risk posed to Mrs Crowther by 

her husband, who was also her main carer. The process during an evidence led prosecution 

 is  still  for  the  investigating  officer  to  engage  with  the  victim  regarding  the  investigation, 

including  any  potential  bail  conditions.  Proceeding  in  these  circumstances  often means  we 

impose bail  conditions  which  are  not  agreed to  by the  victim but  are  deemed  necessary  to 

protect their personal safety and mental wellbeing.  This approach prevents repeat offending 

and escalation of violence. 

The use of DVPN/DVPO’s are specifically for domestic violence perpetrators, over the age of 

18,  when  violence  has  been  used  or  threatened.  As  with  evidence  led  prosecutions,  the 

victim’s consent and engagement is not required for an order to be applied for and granted. 

Approved orders are in effect for a minimum of 14 days to a maximum of 28 days. Once a 

DVPO is ordered the responding party can request the order be modified or terminated, but 

the Court is unlikely to terminate the order unless the respondent can demonstrate there has 

been a substantial change in circumstances which shows they are not likely to resume acts of 

domestic violence.  

Within Bedfordshire we promote the consideration of a DVPO in investigations.  Once a DVPO 

is ordered, it is the responsibility of the individual to comply with the prohibitions. In the event 

of a breach of a DVPO, the individual is open to arrest, leading to a possible fine of £50 for 

every day whilst in breach, up to a maximum of £5,000 or two-months imprisonment.  

In the case of Mrs Crowther, although the investigating officers considered a DVPO, with her 

additional complex needs, a decision was made that police bail would be more appropriate in 

terms of safeguarding. This is because with police bail, we have more flexibility in terms of 

decision  making.  At  any  stage  during  a  police bail  period,  a  determination  can  be made  to 

cancel current conditions once any outstanding enquires have been completed. 

In conclusion, we consider ourselves to be a learning organisation and are always looking to 

improve  our  processes both  within  our  Emerald Department  and  across the  wider force,  to 

ensure we are providing the very best safeguarding for Bedfordshire’s most vulnerable people.  

Yours sincerely 

Assistant Chief Constable