Footpath Renamed Gracie Spinks Way in Honor of Stalking Victim

A footpath has been renamed to commemorate Gracie Spinks, a 23-year-old woman who was murdered by her stalker. Ms. Spinks was killed by her former colleague, Michael Sellers, on 18 June 2021, while she was tending to her horse. Following the murder, Sellers took his own life. Last year, an inquest jury determined that Ms. Spinks was unlawfully killed. Subsequently, Derbyshire Police issued an apology to her family, acknowledging shortcomings in their handling of the case. The new signage, situated near the location in Duckmanton, Derbyshire, where Miss Spinks was killed, was officially unveiled by her father, Richard, on Friday. Several months prior to her death, Miss Spinks had reported to the police that Sellers was “obsessed” with her and had been waiting for her close to the same field where she was later killed. Additionally, two dog walkers discovered a bag containing weapons belonging to Sellers; however, police did not investigate the bag, classifying it instead as “found property.” Following Miss Spinks’s death, her parents, Richard Spinks and Alison Ward, have advocated for enhanced training and procedures within police forces for addressing stalking cases. In response, Derbyshire Police has since conducted a review of its training, established a new stalking policy, and implemented improved risk assessments. The force has also reiterated to its staff the critical importance of accurate note-taking and record-keeping, particularly after the inquest highlighted “serious failings” on the part of the police. Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, who attended the unveiling of the sign—funded by Staveley Town Council—commented: “Poignant to be at the dedication of newly-named Gracie Spinks Way for the renaming of the Duckmanton to Poolsbrook footpath.” He further added, “Also [a] good opportunity to reflect on the progress that the Gracie’s Law campaign has made to improve the way stalking is policed.”