Twin of Huddersfield double murder victim slams 'empty words' of police watchdog
The brother of a man killed in a horrific double murder in Huddersfield has slammed the "empty words" of a police watchdog report.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC] said there are "areas of possible improvement" into the way West Yorkshire Police handled the horrific case where Marcus Osborne murdered his ex, Katie Higton and her new partner, Steven Harnett.
Osborne - who had been bailed after Katie told police she feared he would seriously hurt or kill her - was told he will never be released from prison when he was sentenced earlier this year. The horrific brutality shown by Osborne shocked the nation and left Huddersfield reeling. It was later discovered Osborne had previously been jailed for attacks on other partners.
READ MORE:'Repulsive' Huddersfield man Karl Martin masturbates into pregnant woman's drink
READ MORE:Police update as Huddersfield manhunt ends in attempted murder arrest
The IOPC said there are areas of possible improvement after its review into the force's investigation into police contact with Katie and Steven before their murders. Head of National Operations at the IOPC, Sunny Bhalla, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Katie and Steven, as well as all those affected by their tragic murders. In circumstances like these, where Katie had previously contacted police to make a domestic abuse report, it is important for the circumstances to be investigated and lessons learned where necessary.
“While we did not identify any individual conduct matters, or potential criminal offences by anyone working for the police, our review did find areas of possible improvement. It is our view that this should be considered alongside any other broader learning arising from this tragedy.”
A spokesperson for the IOPC added: "Our role in this case was to review West Yorkshire Police’s investigation into the prior police contact with Katie and Steven, and determine whether there was any indication anyone serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings. We also considered whether the investigation identified opportunities for learning.
"Areas we raised with the force included making it easier for members of the public to report incidents to the police and improving decision-making procedures around the decision to grant suspects bail in similar cases."
Jordan Harnett, Steven's twin, has spoken out in the wake of the report, which he says may as well be "empty words." He said: "We were made aware on Friday regarding their verdict. It comes as no surprise though. They found 'no wrongdoing' but have 'shared areas of potential learning' - to me that is a contradictory statement. How can you share ways of improving but also not accept any level of responsibility for what happened?
"I know that the statement made is meant to appease the public and both of the families effected but we know full well they may as well be empty words. It will result in perhaps a 20 minute video of 'spotting the signs' but in reality I can almost guarantee you will be having this conversation with another family in a year or so's time."
Jordan said he hopes the "next woman who reports a violent partner or ex to the police is taken more seriously." He said: "I hope when a woman approaches the police concerned for her life, measures are put in the place to protect her. Sadly, I can't see this being the case. Nine women have been failed since 2019. A completely unacceptable number and I fear the statement the IOPC have made regarding the murder of my brother and his girlfriend has been read on eight previous occasions and sadly, will be again in the near future."
Refuge, a charity which supports victims of domestic violence responded and told the BBC: "The devastating deaths of Katie and Steven are part of a broader problem - the reoccurring failure of the police to take immediate action upon receiving reports of abuse and violence.
"These police failings can and do have fatal consequences and will continue to have such consequences until we see a drastic reform of this system."
Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police, said: “The murders of Katie Higton and Steven Harnett were truly appalling crimes and the whole life term given to Marcus Osborne reflects the savagery of his actions. Our thoughts remain with the families of both Katie and Steven.
“We made a referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) the day after the murders and have now received their final decision letter regarding the investigation into our previous contact with Marcus Osborne, Katie Higton, and Steven Harnett. It is a matter of record that Osborne was arrested after Katie reported he’d subjected her to domestic abuse and made threats to kill her.
“To build a file of evidence for consideration by the CPS, Osborne was released on police bail with conditions not to contact Katie directly or indirectly or attend certain addresses. He was also served with a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN).
"While the IOPC did not identify any misconduct by officers for how Osborne was dealt with, we have fully accepted that there are identified opportunities for organisational improvement and learning regarding both safeguarding victims and releasing domestic abuse suspects on bail. Work has been ongoing in force for some time to implement this learning.
“An independent Domestic Homicide Review is ongoing and this will fully explore the background and wider circumstances of this case.”