MURDER VICTIM LET DOWN BY POLICE

Murder victim Gary Suller (middle) was let down by police when he turned to them for help, a watchdog found.

The actor was repeatedly threatened by violent criminal Barry Bowyer (right) in the weeks before his murder.

Bowyer went on to murder Mr Suller despite the fact the kindly actor reported his fears to police several times.

Former prostitute Katie Gilmore (left), 27, was having a relationship with actor Gary Suller, 45, when he was murdered in his home in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, south wales, by her lover Barry Bowyer.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation concluded today that Mr Suller’s faith in Gwent Police had been misplaced.

It’s report concluded there had been “no misconduct by individual officers or staff but did find organisational issues”.

“Mr Suller had reported a number of incidents involving Barry Bowyer to Gwent Police prior to the discovery of his body at his home in Cwmbran on 6 September 2011,” the IPCC report says.

“I would like to offer my condolences to Mr Suller’s family and friends at what must be a very difficult time for them,” said Tom Davies, of IPCC Wales.

“The responsibility for Mr Suller’s death is solely that of Bowyer and he has received a life sentence for that terrible crime.

“However, our investigation found that Gwent Police let Mr Suller down and he did not receive the service he should have done.

“He took proper action in informing Gwent Police of the incidents he was the alleged victim of and they had a duty of care towards him.

“Mr Suller put his faith in Gwent Police believing all the incidents he reported to them would be investigated effectively and dealt with appropriately.

“It is evident that opportunities were lost for Gwent Police to take a more proactive approach in dealing with the problems that Mr Suller was experiencing.”

Mr Davies added: “The same concerns were highlighted following the inspection carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary into Gwent Police’s response to anti-social behaviour-related issues.

“Gwent Police has responded positively to the recommendations made by the IPCC and the HMIC and are implementing changes to address these.”