Police Force Refers Itself to Oversight Body Following Murder

A police department has initiated a self-referral to an oversight body concerning a woman’s murder. Laura Robson, aged 37, passed away in July, a short time after emergency personnel discovered her at a residence in Gateshead. Ben Hughes, 38, subsequently pleaded guilty to her murder at Newcastle Crown Court on November 11. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it received a referral from Northumbria Police concerning the force’s response time to a welfare check report submitted on July 22. A spokesperson for Northumbria Police stated that the force conducted its own inquiry subsequent to advice from the IOPC, and the completed report has been submitted for assessment. The IOPC indicated that it concluded an investigation was necessary to examine whether “police could have arrived at the scene sooner and to consider whether this may have prevented the outcome”. Nevertheless, a spokesperson clarified that because the exact time of Ms Robson’s death was “unclear at the time of referral” made by the force, the IOPC decided its direct involvement was not needed and returned the investigation to Northumbria Police. The spokesperson further noted that the police force had demonstrated evidence of “some positive action”. Northumbria Police commented that the referral to the IOPC was “mandatory given the circumstances surrounding the case”. A spokesperson for the force stated, “Our thoughts very much continue to be with the loved ones of Laura Robson following her tragic death.” Jill Evans, Ms Robson’s mother, had previously expressed that words could “not describe” the anguish resulting from her daughter’s passing. She characterized her daughter as a “shining light” and a “very kind lass,” concluding with: “We will always love you Laura.”