The family of 19-year-old murder victim Shana Grice have slammed the police disciplinary hearing held this week as a “sham”.
Miss Grice’s parents, Sharon Grice and Richard Green, spoke out after former Brighton police officer Trevor Godfrey was cleared of gross misconduct. He was guilty of misconduct but faces no further action, having retired from Sussex Police.
The couple said last night (Tuesday 30 July): “We can barely believe what we have witnessed these past two days.
“The panel allowed a wholesale character assassination of our daughter, who is obviously not here to defend herself.
“We are disgusted and feel thoroughly let down by the process. There is no justice.”
They spoke out after former Brighton police officer Trevor Godfrey was found guilty of misconduct at the two-day disciplinary hearing in Lewes.
But Mr Godfrey, who retired in December 2017, was cleared of gross misconduct and will face no further action.
He was accused of failing to investigate properly a complaint that Michael Lane, 27, had assaulted 19-year-old Shana Grice in March 2016.
Five months later, in August 2016, Lane killed Miss Grice at her home in Chrisdory Road in Mile Oak.
Mr Godfrey – then a PC based in Brighton – concluded that Miss Grice’s complaints were dishonest and recommended that Lane face no further action.
In an 84-second phone call Mr Godfrey gave her strong words of advice.
After the March incident, Sussex Police issued Miss Grice with a £90 fixed penalty notice and fine.
Miss Grice’s parents issued a statement through their representatives, Hudgell Solicitors.
It said: “We can barely believe what we have witnessed these past two days.
“The panel allowed a wholesale character assassination of our daughter, who is obviously not here to defend herself.
“Godfrey’s testimony only proved his discriminatory attitude, even accusing Shana of coercing Lane. We can barely believe what we have heard.
