THE IOPC RESPONSE...

An Independent Office for Police Conduct spokeswoman said: “Our investigation concluded in March 2017 and we met with Ms Rooks to outline our findings.

“The investigation, which began in 2016, followed a complaint made by Ms Rooks about how South Wales Police handled incidents in May and July 2013, prior to the horrific attack on her.

“She also appealed a subsequent police investigation into her complaint.

“We reviewed the South Wales Police response, whether officers complied with relevant policies and procedures concerning potential domestic abuse incidents, and the force handling of her complaint. A number of officers were investigated during the course of our inquiries. Two officers were found to have cases to answer for misconduct for not taking positive action in relation to domestic abuse. One was dealt with by the force through management action, and the other had left the force prior to the investigation taking place. While not amounting to misconduct, the actions of three other officers fell below the standard expected and they were placed on a formal action plan by South Wales Police. A police sergeant was also found to have a case to answer for misconduct for the quality of an internal investigation into Ms Rooks’ complaint and was dealt with through management action.”