A WATCHDOG investigated 14 officers over potential misconduct following the murder of Shana Grice.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) led the inquiry into the officers who had contact with Ms Grice before her death in August 2016 in Portslade.

Ms Grice reported being stalked by her ex-partner Michael Lane, but was instead fined £90 for wasting police time.

She was killed by Lane just months later.

It led to action against PC Trevor Godfrey and PC Mills, who were both found to have committed misconduct.

PC Godfrey retired from the force in December 2017 and will face no further action, while PC Mills left the force before disciplinary hearings were held, and has been barred from the police.

Meanwhile a total of four other officers were found to have acted wrongly, and were given written warnings or faced management action.

IOPC regional director Sarah Green said: “The murder of Shana devastated her family and friends.

“The circumstances surrounding her murder have understandably led to concerns being raised about how Sussex Police handle such situations.”

Ms Green said the force followed “quick-time learning” recommendations to improve how it handles claims of stalking, harassment, and domestic abuse, and further

She said: “PC Godfrey has been found to have committed misconduct for failing in his duties and responsibilities towards Shana.

“It is for acting unfairly towards her by not further exploring the context of her relationship with Mr Lane, and by effectively reaching a conclusion without making proper enquiry.

“Those close to Shana have testified that his actions affected her confidence in the police and may have prevented her from reporting Lane’s continued harassment.”

The IOPC investigated 12 other officers, and has made a total of 16 recommendations to the force to improve how it handles complaints.

A police sergeant (PS) was given a written warning for failing to follow policies for domestic abuse by failing to take into account past incidents.

Another PS and PC faced management action for their failures, as did a Detective Inspector.

Six officers were cleared of misconduct, with no case to answer.

Ms Green added: “During our investigation and subsequently, Sussex Police have responded positively to our suggested learning recommendations about how to improve their handling of allegations of stalking and domestic abuse.

“These learning recommendations are now due to be formally submitted and we will continue to work with Sussex and also the College of Policing regarding their implementation.”