Shooting Report Criticises Gwent Force

29 September 2014, 17:20 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The police watchdog says Gwent Police missed chances to help a woman - later shot dead by her husband.

Caroline Parry contacted officers in Newport in the weeks before her death - worried about his behaviour.

Christopher Parry shot her outside her home on Seabreeze Avenue in August 2013.

He was described as a man "not prepared to let go" after she left him after 27 years of marriage.

A report by the police watchdog says officers failed to "join the dots" when Caroline contacted them with concerns.

It says officers didn't have have the "relevant information" about the couples history.

The force has been told to improve the way it handles domestic abuse, harrassment and stalking cases.

Jan Williams is the IPCC Commissioner for Wales

"This was a callous, brutal murder that devastated Caroline's family and friends.

"Our investigation found weaknesses and shortcomings in how Gwent Police handled this case and it is not the first time the IPCC has raised concerns over how the force responds to domestic abuse cases.

"The force has given a higher priority to domestic abuse cases, but I am urging senior officers again to ensure they take all necessary steps to improve their performance."

In a statement, Gwent Police says it's working to improve their response to domestic abuse cases and has already implemented recommendations from the IPCC.