Cops acted 'appropriately' before murder, watchdog finds

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the police constable and detective sergeant did not believe threats made by Shiraz Bashir (42) to Craig Preston days before he murdered his love rival were “sincere” and the force’s actions had been “appropriate”.

The IOPC published its findings last week - eight months after its inquiry concluded.

The report found Mr Preston - who was killed on August 21, 2016, by Bashir, his lover Leonie Mason (24) and three youths - had told police a week before his death that Bashir had assaulted him.

Bashir also complained to the force on four occasions in August, 2016, that Mr Preston (34) had threatened him and said he would take matters into his own hands.

An IOPC spokeswoman said: “He (Bashir) was twice advised by a police constable and once by a detective sergeant not to contact Mr Preston.” 

The police attempted to arrest Mr Preston on August 8 but could not locate him. Mr Preston was arrested on August 13, and was released without charge after an interview in which he said Bashir had assaulted and threatened him days earlier.

“After August 15, there was no further contact between South Yorkshire Police and the men before Mr Preston was murdered,” she said. 

“The PC who gave advice to Bashir was served with a notice as there was an indication of misconduct. The PC provided a written statement which explained that they did not perceive Bashir’s comments as a threat but determined he was frustrated at the speed of the police investigation.

“This assessment was corroborated by the detective sergeant who had also spoken to Bashir and decided his threats to harm Mr Craig Preston were not sincere.”

She added: “Our investigator concluded that the police response was appropriate, and there is insufficient evidence upon which a misconduct meeting could find that the PC’s actions and decisions in responding to the apparent threats towards Mr Preston’s life amounted to misconduct.” 

IOPC regional director Miranda Biddle said: “Our thoughts remain with Craig Preston’s family following his death. We have a very clear role in this case - to establish the facts, that there was evidence to suggest threats were made by both men - and to assess the police response. 

“In this case we found the South Yorkshire Police’s actions, in general, were appropriate and the officers involved had no case to answer.” 

Mr Preston, of Wath, was attacked by the gang in a lay-by on Town Lane, Rockingham, and his body was dumped near to Woodhead Tunnels.