Adrian Palmer - Independent Police Complaints Commission

Mr Adrian James Palmer 

Independent Investigation into West Mercia Constabulary’s 

involvement with Adrian Palmer in the months leading up to 

his death

Contents 


Contents........................................................................................................................... 2 

Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4 

Terms of reference.......................................................................................................... 5 

Terms of Reference and Responsibilities ...................................................................... 5 

Terms of Reference....................................................................................................... 5 

Complaints....................................................................................................................... 6 

Officers under investigation........................................................................................... 7 

Officer A ..................................................................................................................... 7 

Officer B ..................................................................................................................... 8 

Officer C..................................................................................................................... 8 

Background ..................................................................................................................... 8 

Brief chronological summary of events ...................................................................... 11 

Investigation Areas ....................................................................................................... 16 

West Mercia Police’s investigation into Adrian’s allegation of rape.............................. 16 

Memo from Officer A to Worcester Crime Desk dated 9/3/06 .................................. 18 

Letter from CPS to Officer A dated 6/3/06................................................................ 18 

Charging Decision from CPS ................................................................................... 18 

Completed MG3 – Report to CPS from Officer A dated 1/2/06 ................................ 19 

Completed MG5 Page 1 of 2 – Case Summary (no page 2).................................... 20 

List of names with comment “MG11s needed”......................................................... 21 

IPCC Investigation....................................................................................................... 22 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 22 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 25 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 26 

Adrian’s 999 Call 7 January 2006 ............................................................................ 27 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 28 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 29 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 29 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 29 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 31 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 31 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 32 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 32 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 33 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 34 

West Mercia’s Serious Sexual Offences Policy........................................................ 35 

Interview of Officer A................................................................................................ 36 

Interview of Officer B................................................................................................ 39 

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Conclusion regarding Rape Investigation .................................................................. 40 

Officer A ................................................................................................................... 40 

Officer B ................................................................................................................... 43 

Criminal Investigation Department ........................................................................... 45 

Further line of enquiry requested by West Mercia Police Federation....................... 46 

OIS 0138S 070106................................................................................................... 47 

Adrian Palmer’s custody record 310150 .................................................................. 47 

Allegations regarding threats made against Adrian Palmer...................................... 48 

Threats prior to 9 March 2006 ..................................................................................... 48 

Threats post 9 March 2006.......................................................................................... 50 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 50 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 51 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 52 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 53 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 54 

Officer C................................................................................................................... 54 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 55 

Forensic Telecommunication Service ...................................................................... 56 

***** .......................................................................................................................... 56 

Background Information relating to both ***** and Adrian Palmer................................ 57 

Conclusion pre 9 March 2006...................................................................................... 57 

Conclusion post 9 March 2006 .................................................................................... 58 

West Mercia Constabulary’s Investigation into the death of Adrian Palmer................. 59 

Overall Conclusion....................................................................................................... 61 

Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 62 

Recommendation 1...................................................................................................... 62 






Documents and statement bundles are appended to this report. 

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Introduction 


1. The following report outlines the circumstances and events following 

a report of male rape being made by Mr Adrian James Palmer of 

Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire and leading up to his murder. 

2. On 7th January 2006, Mr Palmer reported to West Mercia Police, 

that he had been raped by *****. An investigation took place and the 

Crown Prosecution Service decided to take no further action. 

3. Whilst the rape investigation was ongoing, it is alleged that Mr 

Palmer was receiving threats on his mobile telephone, which were 

reported by family members to West Mercia Police. Mr Palmer 

suspected that these threats were being made by *****. 

4. On 20th May 2006, Mr Palmer was found by a postal worker in a car 

park adjacent to Teme Street, Tenbury Wells. Shortly after Mr 

Palmer was found, ***** arrived at the scene and told the postal 

worker he had killed Mr Palmer. ***** was arrested by police and 

after two failed trials, was found guilty of manslaughter and 

sentenced to 4 years in prison in December 2007. 

5. This investigation looks at the police involvement in the rape 

investigation, the further reports of threats and ultimately, how the 

previous incidents were involved with the murder investigation. 

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Terms of reference 

Terms of Reference and Responsibilities 


6. Adrian Palmer was a 21 year old man living in Tenbury Wells, 

Worcestershire. Adrian suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD 

and Reynard’s Disease. On 6th January 2006, Adrian Palmer 

reported to West Mercia Police that he had been raped by ***** in 

Tenbury Wells. Adrian was interviewed by police on 12th January 

2006 and ***** was arrested, interviewed and bailed on 26th January 

2006. The Crown Prosecution Service decided to take no further 

action with the case on 9th March 2006. Adrian Palmer, and family 

members, further reported that Adrian was being threatened and 

harassed by *****, prior to ***** killing Adrian on 20th May 2006. 

Terms of Reference 

7. To investigate the circumstances surrounding the police contact with 

Adrian Palmer prior to 20th May 2006, as follows: 

8. Thoroughly review the rape investigation conducted after Adrian’s 

allegation against *****, taking into account local and national 

standards and procedures including: - 

9. West Mercia Police’s response to the allegation. 

10. The appropriateness of the response. 

11. Roles and Responsibilities of Police Officers and Police Staff within 

the investigation. 

12. The interaction between West Mercia Police and other agencies that 

were involved with Adrian Palmer. 

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13. Knowledge of Asperger’s Syndrome within the investigation. 

14. Thoroughly review the investigation into reported instances of threats 

and harassment made against Adrian Palmer, taking into account 

the following: - 

15. West Mercia Police’s response to the allegations. 

16. The appropriateness of the response. 

17. Roles and Responsibilities of Police Officers and Police Staff within 

the investigation. 

18. The interaction between West Mercia Police and other agencies that 

were involved with Adrian Palmer. 

19. Thoroughly review what importance, if any, was placed on the 

reported rape and threats by the murder investigation. 

20. To consider and report on whether any criminal or disciplinary 

offence may have been committed by any police officer or member 

of police staff involved in the incident, and whether relevant local and 

national policies were complied with; 

21. To consider and report on whether there is any organisational 

learning for the police service, including: 

22. Whether any change in police policy or practice would help to 

prevent a recurrence of the event, incident or conduct investigated. 

23. Whether the incident highlights any good practice that should be 

disseminated. 

Complaints 

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24. No specific complaint has been received from the Palmer family, 

although they have provided statements to assist the enquiry. 

25. Mrs Palmer wrote to Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, in December 

2007 regarding how in her opinion several agencies, including West 

Mercia Police, had failed her grandson Adrian Palmer who had been 

killed in May 2006. 

26. Gordon Brown replied to the letter and also passed Mrs Palmers 

concerns to the Ministry of Justice. West Mercia Police were 

informed by the Ministry of Justice about the concerns raised by Mrs 

Palmer and West Mercia Police made a voluntary referral to the 

IPCC. 

27. On 11 February 2008, it was decided by the ‘Shadow’ 

Commissioner, Len Jackson, that the investigation would be 

managed. 

28. On 10 March 2008, the Commissioner with responsibility for West 

Mercia Constabulary, John Crawley, decided that the investigation 

should be upgraded to Independent due to further information that 

had been obtained. 

Officers under investigation 

Officer A 

29. Officer A was served with a Regulation 9 notice on 4 April 2008 

alleging: - 

30. That Officer A was the officer in the case for the rape investigation 

and they failed to conduct a thorough investigation prior to 

submission of a case file to the Crown Prosecution Service. 

31. That further allegations were brought to Officer A’s attention by Mr 

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Officer B 


Palmer and his family that Mr Palmer was receiving threats on his 

mobile telephone during the course of your rape investigation and no 

further action was taken in respect of this. 

32. Officer B was served with a Regulation 9 notice on 4 April 2008 

alleging: - 

33. That Officer B was the supervising officer for the rape investigation 

Officer C 

conducted by Officer A and she failed to ensure that a thorough 

investigation was conducted as well as failing to ensure an 

appropriate file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. 

34. Officer C was served with a Regulation 9 notice on 4 April 2008 

alleging: - 

35. That threats contained in voicemail messages were reported to 

Officer C and they did not conduct a thorough investigation into 

these matters. 

Background 

36. Adrian Palmer was a 21 year old man living in Tenbury Wells, 

Worcestershire. 

37. Adrian was diagnosed with having ADHD, Reynaud’s disease (a 

circulation disorder), Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination) and 

Asperger’s Syndrome. 

38. Dyspraxia manifested itself in Adrian having difficulty making skilled 

gross or fine motor skills with accuracy. He was diagnosed with 

Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 13. Asperger’s Syndrome is a 

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form of Autism. 


39. Some one million people in the UK have an Autism Spectrum 

Disorder (ASD) which is about 1 in 100 people. Although not alone, 

Adrian appears to have been the only person of his age in Tenbury 

with Asperger’s Syndrome. 

40. People with Asperger’s Syndrome have trouble with communication, 

social interaction and social imagination. In addition, they may have 

sensory difficulties and some coordination problems. Their behaviour 

can seem odd and sometimes can draw unnecessary attention, but 

in general ASD is a hidden disability and it may not be immediately 

obvious to people that someone with ASD has special needs. 

41. Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability 

that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes 

information and relates to other people. 

42. People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They 

are: 

� social communication 

� social interaction 

� social imagination. 

43. While there are similarities with autism, people with Asperger’s 

syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of 

average, or above average, intelligence. They do not usually have 

the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism, but 

they may have specific learning difficulties. These may include 

dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit 

hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

44. In terms of communication Adrian always had an immense difficulty 

in being able to talk about himself or express his feelings. People 

with Asperger’s syndrome sometimes find it difficult to express 

Redacted Version 9


themselves emotionally and socially. For example, they may: 

� have difficulty understanding gestures, facial expressions or tone 

of voice 

� have difficulty knowing when to start or end a conversation and 

choosing topics to talk about 

� use complex words and phrases but may not fully understand 

what they mean 

� be very literal in what they say and can have difficulty 

understanding jokes, metaphor and sarcasm. 

45. Like many people with Asperger’s Syndrome, Adrian experienced 

some difficulties in terms of Social interaction with his peers. People 

with Asperger’s syndrome want to be sociable but have difficulty with 

initiating and sustaining social relationships, which can make them 

very anxious. People with the condition may: 

� struggle to make and maintain friendships 

� not understand the unwritten 'social rules' that most of us pick up 

without thinking. For example, they may stand too close to another 

person, or start an inappropriate topic of conversation 

� find other people unpredictable and confusing 

� become withdrawn and seem uninterested in other people, 

appearing almost aloof 

� behave in what may seem an inappropriate manner. 

46. People with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty with social 

imagination. This can include: 

� limited ability to make up stories 

� imagining alternative outcomes to situations and finding it hard to 

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predict what will happen next 


� understanding or interpreting other peoples thoughts, feelings or 

actions. The subtle messages that are put across by facial 

expression and body language are often missed 

� having a limited range of imaginative activities, which can be 

pursued rigidly and repetitively eg lining up toys or collecting and 

organising things related to his or her interest. 

47. Adrian lived with his grandparents, ***** and *****, in Tenbury Wells 

and had done most of his life. During the period January 2006 until 

May 2006, Adrian also spent some time living with his *****, in Ebbw 

Vale, Wales. 

48. On 7th January 2006, Adrian Palmer reported to West Mercia Police 

that he had been raped by ***** in Tenbury Wells. Adrian was 

interviewed by police on 12th January 2006 and ***** was arrested, 

interviewed and bailed on 26th January 2006. The Crown 

Prosecution Service decided to take no further action with the case 

on 9th March 2006. 

49. Adrian Palmer, and family members, further reported that Adrian was 

being threatened and harassed by *****, prior to ***** killing Adrian 

on 20th May 2006. 

Brief chronological summary of events 

50. At 22:34 hours on Friday 6 January 2006, ***** contacted West 

Mercia Police about Adrian Palmer. She informed West Mercia 

Police that Adrian will not leave her and her boyfriend alone. Prior to 

this interaction with the police, Adrian had had some involvement 

with West Mercia Constabulary before. This was relatively recent 

and in March 2005, Adrian stole a Fire Engine from the Fire Station 

in Tenbury Wells. Following this, Adrian came to the attention of the 

Redacted Version 11


police on a number of occasions, whilst before he had been dealt 

with once. 

51. At 02:59 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, Adrian Palmer rang 

West Mercia Police. He began the conversation by saying that he is 

getting his revenge on ***** who raped him, before moving onto other 

issues. This is recorded on incident log 0138S 070106. 

52. At 03:38 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, Adrian was spoken to 

by two police officers, ***** and *****, who took him home. 

53. At 04:13 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, West Mercia Police 

received a call from Mr Palmer, Adrian’s grandfather, asking for the 

police to return as they cannot cope with Adrian “wrecking the place”. 

54. At 04:23 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, ***** and ***** arrested 

Adrian and took him into custody at Worcester Police Station. 

55. At 05:06 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, Adrian’s detention was 

authorised by the Custody Sergeant at Worcester Police Station. 

56. At 05:45 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, Adrian told the civilian 

custody officer at Worcester that the reason he “kicked off” was that 

***** has been blackmailing him for sex. 

57. At 08:45 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, Adrian was released 

from custody. Adrian was collected from Worcester Police Station by 

Officer A and Officer B. 

58. At 11:35 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, Officer A and Officer B 

spoke with Adrian at his home address. Adrian’s grandmother, 

Margaret Palmer was also present. He was asked to give an initial 

account of what ***** had done to him. 

59. At 13:08 hours on Saturday 7 January 2006, Officer B recorded on 

the incident log that further enquiries are needed before the incident 

Redacted Version 12

is crimed. 


60. At 11:06 hours on Thursday 12 January 2006, Adrian took part in a 

visually recorded interview with ***** at Spetchley Road, Worcester. 

Due to Adrian having Asperger’s Syndrome, an appropriate adult 

was required for him. The role of the appropriate adult was to 

support Adrian during the interview. Adrian’s appropriate adult was 

***** The interview was concluded at 14:12 hours on the same date. 

61. At 22:38 hours on Thursday 12 January 2008, Mr Palmer, Adrian’s 

grandfather, contacted West Mercia Police concerned for Adrian as 

he has left the house to see a friend and has not come back. 

62. At 23:21 hours on Thursday 12 January 2006, Adrian was found by 

officers and returned home. 

63. At 23:29 hours on Thursday 12 January 2006, the control room 

operator is updated by the officer who found Adrian. The incident log 

is updated to say that ***** is living with his mother and that rumours 

have spread of Adrian’s allegation that ***** had raped him. It was 

also recorded that it is believed the rumour has been spread by the 

appropriate adult, *****. 

64. At 09:54 hours on Thursday 26 January 2006, ***** was arrested for 

suspicion of male rape. 

65. At 11:24 hours on Thursday 26 January 2006, a section 18 search is 

carried out at *****, Tenbury Wells. This was ***** home address and 

was searched for evidence that could assist the rape investigation. 

66. At 13:27 hours on Thursday 26 January 2006, ***** was interviewed 

by ***** and Officer A. 

67. At 15:14 hours on Thursday 26 January 2006, ***** was bailed from 

Police custody pending further enquiries. 

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68. At 17:55 hours on Saturday 28 January 2006, Jeanette Morgan, 

Adrian’s mother, rang West Mercia Police. Jeanette spoke with 

Officer A and informed her that Adrian has been staying in Wales 

with her (Jeanette) and that ***** had also been there. *****, at this 

time, was a friend of Adrian’s. Jeanette told Officer A that Adrian 

had tried to “act out a scene from Eastenders with *****”, whereby he 

has attempted to kiss her, and that ****** has returned to Tenbury 

Wells because of it. ***** has sent a text message to Adrian today 

(28/01/06) saying that she no longer wanted anything to do with 

Adrian and that she will support ***** and not Adrian. 

69. On Wednesday 1 February 2006, Officer A put together the crime file 

in respect of the rape allegation made by Adrian. 

70. On Thursday 9 February 2006, Adrian appeared in court and was 

sentenced regarding a theft of a fire engine that took place in March 

2005. Following a Psychologist’s report, it was deemed that Adrian 

was not fit to plead to the charge. Adrian was sentenced to a two 

year Supervision Order, supervised by Worcestershire County 

Council Social Services Department. 

71. Adrian is involved in an incident with ***** on the evening of Friday 

10 February 2006. ***** is in a car with a male and follows Adrian, 

shouting abuse and throwing things at him. Adrian says that he will 

tell the police of what is happening, but ***** goes to the police 

station and informs Officer C that Adrian is harassing her. Adrian is 

sent home by Officer C. 

72. On Saturday 11 February 2006, ***** viewed messages on Adrian’s 

mobile phone and provided advice. This was following a concern 

raised by *****, about the manner in which Adrian was treated the 

previous night by *****. The advice was given to both Adrian and 

*****. This is covered in more detail later in the report. 

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73. On Sunday 26 February 2006, ***** rang West Mercia Police as 

Adrian was at the Fire Station in Tenbury Wells and threatening to 

break in. Officers attended and Adrian was arrested under section 

136 of the Mental Health Act. He was released the following 

morning without charge. 

74. On Monday 6 March 2006, *****, Senior Crown Prosecutor, decides 

that no further action would be taken in respect of Adrian’s rape 

allegation. Reasons given for no further action was that Adrian was 

not fit to plead in respect of the fire engine incident, a complete 

absence of medical evidence, no other corroborative evidence and 

Adrian could not be certain when the attack took place. This is 

discussed later in the report. 

75. On Thursday 9 March 2006, Officer A notifies both Adrian and ***** 

as to CPS’s decision that there will be no further action due to 

insufficient evidence. 

76. On Wednesday 29 March 2006, ***** notifies ***** that Adrian is 

receiving threatening voicemail messages on his mobile phone. ***** 

is a Support Worker for Women’s Aid and was working with ***** at 

this time. ***** recommends contacting the police. This is discussed 

later in the report in more detail. 

77. On Thursday 30 March 2006, ***** contacted Gwent Police about the 

voice mail messages Adrian had received. An officer, *****, was 

deployed and advised ***** and Adrian to contact police in Tenbury 

Wells who had been dealing with the rape allegation. 

78. On Saturday 1 April 2006, Adrian reported the messages to West 

Mercia Police, by visiting Tenbury Wells Police Station. 

79. On Saturday 1 April 2006, Officer C visited Adrian’s home address 

and listened to the voice mail messages. He closed the incident 

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saying that the messages were unintelligible. 


80. On Tuesday 4 April 2006, ***** listened to the messages at an 

appointment with Adrian. ***** is a Psychologist who worked with 

Adrian on a regular basis. This is covered in more detail later in the 

report. 

81. On Sunday 16 April 2006, Adrian went to Tenbury Wells Police 

Station and reported that he had been inappropriately touching his 

sister. Social Services became involved, but no action was taken as 

the incident appeared to be Adrian being confused about issues, 

rather than an actual crime taking place. This incident was given a 

crime reference number by Officer B. 

82. In the early hours of Saturday 20 May 2006, Adrian’s body was 

found in the car park, just off Teme Street. ***** was arrested and 

charged in relation to the death of Adrian and ultimately convicted of 

Adrian’s manslaughter. 

Investigation Areas 

83. This report splits the investigation into two main areas, the first being 

the investigation conducted by West Mercia Police into the 

allegations of rape made by Adrian Palmer. The second is West 

Mercia Police’s response to the allegations of further threats being 

received by Adrian Palmer. 

West Mercia Police’s investigation into Adrian’s allegation of rape 

84. The investigation into West Mercia Police’s investigation into 

Adrian’s allegation began by obtaining a copy of the file submitted to 

the Crown Prosecution Service. The file contained a number of 

documents: - 

• Memo from Officer A to Worcester Crime Desk dated 9/3/06 

Redacted Version 16

• Letter from CPS to Officer A dated 6/3/06 

• Charging Decision from CPS 

• Completed MG1 – File Front Sheet dated 1/2/06 


• Completed MG3 – Report to CPS from Officer A dated 1/2/06 

• *****’s Notice of Bail dated 26/1/06 

• Completed MG5 Page 1 of 2 – Case Summary (no page 2) 

• Completed MG6 – Case File information 

• Statement of Officer A dated 1/2/06 

• Statement of ***** dated 1/2/06 (not mentioned on MG3) 

• Statement of ***** dated 27/1/06 

• Index of Visually Recorded Interview with Adrian Palmer 12/1/06 

• Incident Report 0138S 070106 

• Message for Officer A from ***** dated 7/2/06 

• Seized Property Register regarding ***** Tenbury Wells 

• Victim Contact Log for Serious Sexual Offences 

• Handwritten notes regarding ***** interview 

• Handwritten note to Officer A dated 26/1/06 regarding ***** arrest 

• ‘Yellow’ MG3 – CPS comments dated 3/2/06 

• Notice to Person whose Interview has been recorded 

• A4 sheet with some handwriting 

• List of questions for ***** with some handwritten comments 

• E-mail from Officer A to ***** dated 7/1/06 

• Report from ***** to Officer A dated 19/1/06 

• Note for Officer A regarding visit from ***** dated 17/1/06 

• Vulnerable Witness Investigation log 

• List of names with comment “MG11s needed” (Witness Statements) 

85. The following are extracts from documents within the Rape 

Investigation file that was submitted to the Crown Prosecution 

Service. 

Redacted Version 17

Memo from Officer A to Worcester Crime Desk dated 9/3/06 


86. This memo was sent to the Crime Desk along with the papers 

relating to the rape investigation at the end of the investigation. 

87. Please find enclosed papers for above OIS (OIS are incident logs). 

This has not been crimed as we could not establish a crime until I/Vs 

etc were carried out. CPS have advised no further action should be 

taken. 

Letter from CPS to Officer A dated 6/3/06 

88. This letter was sent to Officer A by fax. 

89. Please accept my apologies for not getting this MG3 back to you 

sooner but as discussed with you – the decision is that this allegation 

of male rape should be taken no further. 

90. Please find herewith the MG3 to confirm – as you will note from the 

content – the witness is not credible for a number of reasons – not 

least that he has significant mental health issues. 

Charging Decision from CPS 

91. The following is a direct lift from the advice/decision given by *****. 

92. Discussed the case further with Officer A. Made an effort to get sight 

of the report prepared for court in Shropshire – re the question of 

fitness to plead – the lawyer acting for Palmer indicated that he 

would have to gain consent of his client BEFORE he released it to 

us. 

93. In any event – the court agreed Palmer was “not fit to plead” in 

respect of the allegation of agg twoc (aggravated taking without 

Redacted Version 18

consent) of the fire engine. 


94. We have no realistic prospect of conviction in relation to this 

allegation of rape. 

95. There is no corroborative evidence – complete absence of any 

medical evidence of any form. 

96. The witness is not credible and has significant mental health issues – 

even if there were a remote chance of conviction – the witness would 

not withstand the rigors of cross examination – esp given that even 

his own account of the alleged assault he cannot be certain if he was 

assaulted a few months ago or a few years ago. 

97. Determine NO FURTHER ACTION 

Completed MG3 – Report to CPS from Officer A dated 1/2/06 

98. Officer A completed a MG3 as part of the file to CPS. The report 

gives an outline of circumstances, which are as follows: - 

99. Adrian PALMER suffers with ASPERGERS SYNDROME, 

REYNARDS DISEASE and ADHD. On 07/01/06 PALMER called 

police stating he was going to ***** TENBURY WELLS to kill ***** if 

the police did not do something. He went on to say he was getting 

revenge on ***** whom had raped him four years ago. PALMER 

ended up being arrested at his grandparents address to prevent a 

breach of the peace due to his drunken state. Later that day when 

PALMER had been collected from WORCESTER Police Station, he 

was spoken with in the presence of his grandparents in relation to 

the allegation of rape that he had made. His response was recorded 

on a sexual offences log and a Vulnerable witness interview was 

arranged. During this interview PALMER goes into detail of how the 

rape took place but stated that it was a couple of months ago. 

Redacted Version 19


100. On 26 th Jan 06 ***** was arrested on suspicion of rape. A section 18 

search was carried out at ***** TENBURY WELLS where items of 

bedding were seized. During ***** interview he stated that he hated 

PALMER and that he felt PALMER was making it up due to the fact 

that he had been avoiding him the previous night and that this had 

upset PALMER. 

Completed MG5 Page 1 of 2 – Case Summary (no page 2) 

101. Adrian PALMER BN. 19/11/84 suffers from Aspergers Syndrome. 

Reynards disease and ADHD. He resides between 27 BROMYARD 

ROAD, TENBURY WELLS his grandparents address and his 

mothers address in WALES. On Saturday 7 th January 2005 (sic) at 

around 03.05 hours, PALMER called police stating that he was going 

to break into ***** TENBURY WELLS and kill ***** if the police did 

not do something. PALMER goes on to state that he is getting 

revenge on ***** who raped him four years ago. PALMER was very 

intoxicated and was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace at his 

grandparent’s address. 

102. On Saturday 7 th January 2006 police returned him to his 

grandparent’s address after PALMER was collected from 

WORCESTER Police Station. When he was in the presence of his 

grandparents he was spoken to in relation to the allegations he had 

made in relation to the rape. PALMER’S response was recorded in a 

sexual offences log (C61) and a vulnerable witness interview was 

arranged to take place. 

103. On Thursday 12 th January 2006 PALMER’S Vulnerable witness 

interview was conducted at Worcester. During this PALMER goes 

into detail of the alleged rape that happened a couple of months ago 

and how ***** touched him and undid his trousers. He goes on to 

say that when he said “No” that ***** got violent with him pushing him 

Redacted Version 20


around the flat. He states that ***** is gay and bullies him into 

touching him. PALMER then tells of how ***** then pulled him into 

the bedroom, pulled his trousers down and then pulled PALMERS 

trousers down. PALMER then said something to ***** that he can’t 

recall which made ***** angry. ****** then pushed PALMER on to the 

bed where PALMER lands on his stomach and describes in detail 

how the rape took place. At the end of his interview during the victim 

personal statement PALMER describes how the incident has left him 

feeling angry towards people for months. 

104. On Thursday 26 th January 2006 ***** arrested ***** on suspicion of 

rape. A section 18 search was carried out at *****, TENBURY 

WELLS where items of bedding were seized. At 13.27 hours a tape 

recorded interview was conducted with ***** reference 22CA/811/06. 

The interview was conducted by ***** also present was Officer A. 

During the interview ***** stated that he had known PALMER since 

primary school and stated that he hated him. He stated that he did 

not know of PALMERS medical conditions and that PALMER had 

visited his flat 8-10 times in the time that he has known PALMER and 

that PALMER has slept over once in that time. He admitted that he 

was gay but denied that he had ever had sexual relations with 

PALMER. He admitted that he has pushed PALMER around the flat 

once when PALMER would not leave the flat, and that the police 

were called but did not attend. He also stated that he thought that 

PALMER had made this up because he was upset that on the 

previous night himself and ***** had avoided PALMER around 

TENBURY WELLS, which resulted in PALMER following them 

around. ***** called the police to say that PALMER was following her 

around OIS 732-S-060106 refers. 

List of names with comment “MG11s needed” 

105. Within the file submitted to the CPS is a handwritten list of names 

Redacted Version 21


with comments next to them. The names and comments are: - 

106. ***** – Mentioned by ***** in I/V and in ***** MG11. 

107. ***** – Mentioned by *****– he told her he was gay. Visited his flat 

with *****. On 6 th Jan kept losing Adrian, then called police. Spoke 

to Adrian on ***** phone. 

108. ***** – ***** I/V. Got Adrian drunk & that’s when he said I’d raped 

him. Adrian – 1 st person he told was *****. 

109. ***** – Mentioned in I/V (*****) They went to visit ***** on 6 th Jan. 

110. ***** – Change in Adrian’s behaviour. 

IPCC Investigation 

***** 

111. ***** of Adrian. Adrian had lived with his *****. ***** provided a 

statement to the IPCC on 15 March 2008. 

112. ***** said she first became aware of Adrian’s allegation of rape on 7 

January 2006, when he was brought home by Officer A and Officer 

B. ***** says that the first thing she was asked by Officer A was 

whether Adrian could make a story up. ***** told Officer A that 

Adrian could not make a story up and this is when she was told that 

Adrian alleged he had been raped. *****, Adrian, Officer A and 

Officer B then sat down in the living room and Adrian was asked 

what had happened. He said that ***** had locked Adrian in ***** flat 

and started to knock him around. Adrian also said that ***** had 

threatened him if he told anybody about this. Officer A stopped the 

discussion then and said that specialists were needed to interview 

Adrian about what had happened. 

Redacted Version 22


113. ***** said that the Saturday after Adrian had made the allegation of 

rape; he received a call on his mobile telephone. Adrian used the 

telephone on loudspeaker, so it could heard the call. I could here 

***** voice saying “You fucking bastard” and then Adrian hung up. 

***** recognised ***** voice because he used to ring Adrian at home. 

This was raised with Officer A, who said that nothing could be done 

due to withheld numbers. 

114. She said that Adrian went to live with his mother in Wales and was 

brought back the night before his interview. A plain clothes officer 

collected Adrian and then collected ***** who acted as Adrian’s 

appropriate adult. 

115. After the interview, a female officer rang ***** (*****) and told ***** 

that Adrian had done well in the interview. The only problem was 

that Adrian could not remember the date the incident happened. 

***** said that Adrian would have been more concerned about what 

had happened rather than when it happened. After the interview, 

Adrian went back to Wales and ***** went with him. 

116. On a Thursday after the interview, possibly a week, ****** said she 

was made aware by Officer A that ***** had been arrested, 

interviewed and released on bail. Officer A also asked if ***** could 

arrange for Adrian to obtain an appointment with a doctor, so that he 

could be examined. As Adrian was living in Wales, Officer A also 

rang ***** to inform her of this. ***** said that she thought a police 

doctor would have seen Adrian when he was interviewed. She 

further comments that she had been informed that Adrian probably 

would be examined by a police doctor. ***** believes that she was 

told this by Officer A. 

117. ***** said that on the day ***** was arrested, Adrian and ***** had 

some sort of fallout whilst they were in Wales. Due to this fallout, 

***** returned to Tenbury Wells without Adrian. 

Redacted Version 23


118. ***** says that the next contact she had about the allegation was 

from Officer A. Officer A told ***** that Adrian’s allegation was being 

taken no further by the Crown Prosecution Service. Officer A gave 

the reasons of Adrian not being able to say when the rape took place 

and the fact that Adrian was classed as unfit to plead in the fire 

engine trial, as to why the Crown Prosecution Service took the case 

no further. 

119. ***** said that she was shocked by this decision as she had a lot to 

say to the Crown Prosecution Service but now couldn’t. ***** wanted 

to say when she thought the rape might have taken place and the 

changes in Adrian in the months before his allegation. 

120. ***** said that when she was informed this by Officer A, she asked 

Officer A what they should do about Adrian’s safety and ***** was 

told that if anything happened, they would know who to look for. 

121. ***** said she had thought long and hard about when Adrian may 

have been raped. ***** remembers that one Saturday night in 

December 2004, around thirteen months before Adrian made the 

allegation; Adrian had been out in Tenbury Wells, with *****. At 

around midnight they were walking back and Adrian left saying he 

was going to go and see *****. 

122. Adrian did not return until 04:00 hours the following (Sunday) 

morning and when he did was extremely uptight and upset. Adrian 

would not say why he was upset and immediately went to bed. Later 

that Sunday morning, ***** said that she had taken Adrian a cup of 

coffee and he was laid on his bed still fully clothed. His eyes were 

red, as if he had been crying. ***** said she asked Adrian what was 

wrong and Adrian said that he went to ***** flat and ***** locked him 

in and started to knock him about. ***** also rang the police and said 

Adrian had followed him into the flat. ***** then threw Adrian out and 

told Adrian not to tell anybody about what happened. There is an 

Redacted Version 24

***** 


incident in December 2004 that is recorded by West Mercia 

Constabulary, taking place on 19 December 2004. The incident 

recorded by West Mercia Constabulary relates to a call from ***** 

alleging that Adrian Palmer has followed him (*****) into ***** flat and 

will not leave. It is recorded on the incident log that there is shouting 

in the background, although it is not recorded what is being shouted. 

Police Officers did not attend immediately after the call from ***** but 

a call back was made, when ***** informed the call handler that 

Adrian had left. 

123. On the Monday morning following this, ***** said that she took 

Adrian’s washing from his room. She noticed that Adrian’s 

underpants had been soiled and there were bits of blood in them. 

***** thought that Adrian must have had an upset stomach for this to 

happen as she said that Adrian was usually constipated. 

124. It will be seen at the evidence of ***** that the above evidence had 

not been provided to the Crown Prosecution Service. 

125. ***** provided a statement to West Mercia Constabulary on 25 June 

2006. She refused to provide a statement to the IPCC, other than to 

say she did not want to be involved in the investigation. ***** says 

that she was at ***** house and received a call from *****, saying that 

Adrian was at the house and could she come home. This call was 

around 21:15 hours. ***** went home and ***** went along too. At 

around 22:30 hours, ***** left ***** house and went to The Pembroke 

and Adrian left around ten minutes later. 

126. Around 23:00 hours, ***** says she received a call from ***** to say 

that Adrian had turned up at The Pembroke and was annoying her. 

***** said that she rang Adrian and arranged to meet him at the Spar 

shop. ***** and Adrian met up and went back to ***** house. 

Redacted Version 25

***** 


127. ***** says she went out for a short drive with ***** when she got 

home, and returned around 23:45 hours. Adrian was still at her 

house. She described Adrian as being wound up about so 

something and asks what is wrong. ***** says she was told to mind 

her own business. ***** offered Adrian a whisky which he accepted. 

***** describes the whisky as being in a pint glass, around a quarter 

full of whisky and topped up with water. She says that Adrian 

‘downed’ the whisky in one go, whereas she expected him to sip it. 

128. Shortly after this ***** described Adrian as acting drunk, so she walks 

Adrian back to his house. ***** describes them leaving the house 

and only getting a very short distance before Adrian started sobbing 

hysterically and told her that ***** had been raping him, meaning 

*****. ***** and both she and Adrian went back to ***** house. 

129. ***** describes Adrian as speaking to ***** and she heard him say 

that ***** (Adrian) ***** raping him. After Adrian had spoken with 

*****, he went home. 

130. ***** did not provide a statement to the police as part of the rape 

investigation. There is a telephone message from ***** for Officer A 

dated 7 February 2006 stating that someone wanted to see her 

about a statement. This message is after the file has been submitted 

to CPS. 

131. ***** also refused to provide a statement to the IPCC and her 

evidence has been obtained from the statement she provided to the 

police as part of the investigation into Adrian’s death. 

132. *****, provided a statement to the IPCC on 29 April 2008. She can 

recall that one evening, she does not provide the date, Adrian was at 

her home with ***** said that she would walk Adrian home and they 

Redacted Version 26

oth left. Very shortly after they left, they both returned. 


133. Adrian told ***** had raped him, but gave no further details. ***** 

said that Adrian did not appear to have been drinking but was crying 

when this was said. ***** said she asked Adrian why he did not tell 

his ***** this and he replied that he did not want to. Adrian then left, 

alone. 

134. ***** was also the appropriate adult for Adrian when he was 

interviewed about his allegation of rape. 

135. ***** did not provide a statement to the police as part of the rape 

investigation. 

Adrian’s 999 Call 7 January 2006 

136. At 02:59 hours on 7 January 2008, Adrian rang 999 from his mobile 

phone, *****. The incident log, 0138S 070106, records in the details 

“REPORTING ***** KNOWS SOMETHING ABOUT HIM – HE LIVES 

AT ***** (sic) CALLER SAYING THAT HE WILL BREAK INTO HIS 

FLAT & KILL SOMEONE IF POLICE DON’T DO SOMETHING. 

ADRIAN PALMER STATING THAT ***** HAS SHOTGUNS. 

ADRIAN STATES THAT HE IS ON PROBATION” 

137. The incident text, which is inputted by the controller as the 

discussion takes place, starts as follows: - 

138. “ADRIAN STATES THAT HE IS GETTING REVENGE ON ***** 

WHO ALLEGEDLY RAPED HIM FOUR YEARS AGO.” 

139. In the call, it appears that Adrian gives details about himself and the 

location he is at, but discusses various incidents. At one point he 

talks about a landlord of a local Public House and that the police 

should be focussing on him. 

140. A nearby police unit is deployed to Adrian’s call and they find him at 

Redacted Version 27

***** 


03:38 hours the same morning on Teme Street, Tenbury Wells. The 

police unit that attended consisted of ***** and ***** 

141. ***** provided a statement to the IPCC. He said that he and ***** 

responded to a request to attend a nuisance call. They attended 

Tenbury Wells as they were close by and found a person in Teme 

Street, who was Adrian. 

142. ***** describes Adrian as being dressed in dark clothing and ‘soaking 

wet’. ***** describes Adrian as being very drunk, unsteady on his 

feet, smelling of alcohol and slurring his words. He described Adrian 

as ‘highly agitated and shouting and raving he was going to steal a 

fire engine’. 

143. Both ***** calmed Adrian down and once this happened took Adrian 

home. ***** said that he spoke to both of Adrian’s grandparents and 

explained what had happened and to call the police if Adrian became 

agitated again. 

144. Around fifteen minutes later ***** received another call to return to 

Adrian’s house. ***** describes that when they returned, Adrian was 

a different person to whom they had dropped off earlier and 

describes him as abusive and aggressive. Adrian was then taken 

into custody. 

145. ***** says that throughout the journey to Worcester Police Station, 

the officers received constant abuse from Adrian, although he cannot 

recall exactly what was said. Once at custody in Worcester, Adrian 

was booked in and ***** had no further dealings with him. 

146. ***** said that at no point was he told that Adrian had alleged he had 

been raped, and Adrian himself did not report it to him or ***** 

Redacted Version 28

***** 

***** 

***** 


147. ***** also provided a statement to the IPCC. ***** provided a similar 

account to that of ***** 

148. ***** said that at no time was he made aware of an allegation of rape 

by Adrian or anyone else. 

149. ***** is recorded on the custody record as the custody Sergeant who 

authorised the detention of Adrian. ***** has said that he cannot 

remember the occasion when Adrian was brought into custody. ***** 

has been shown a copy of the custody record, but this has not 

refreshed his memory of Adrian being in custody. 

150. The custody record makes reference to a comment from Adrian that 

the reason he ‘kicked off’ was because he was being blackmailed for 

sex. ***** was unaware of this comment and the investigation has 

not been able to identify what action was taken due to this comment. 

Neither can anybody be identified who can provide any further 

information on this. 

151. ***** provided a statement to the IPCC. ***** is currently a police 

sergeant and carried out the vulnerable witness interview with Adrian 

on 12 January 2006. 

152. On 7 January 2006 at 13:12 hours ***** received an e-mail request 

from Officer A to conduct a vulnerable witness interview with Adrian 

Palmer about his rape allegation. 

153. On 9 January 2006, ***** contacted Adrian by telephone and 

Redacted Version 29


discussed the interview and what would happen. She says that 

Adrian suggested his friend ****** would accompany him and he 

would be comfortable talking about the allegation in front of her. 

Adrian told ***** that he had a Social Worker, *****, but had not seen 

her for some time. Following speaking to Adrian, ***** spoke to ***** 

has recorded on a vulnerable witness investigation log that ***** is 

happy for ***** to accompany Adrian to the interview. It is also 

recorded that Adrian has spoken to his grandmother in more detail 

now and it seems that this has happened on a number of occasions 

and that this may be the reason for Adrian’s aggression and drinking 

problems. 

154. On 11 January 2006, ***** left a message for ***** to contact ***** on 

her return. On the same day ***** also spoke to *****, Adrian’s 

Psychologist, about the best way to communicate with Adrian and 

Adrian’s level of understanding. ***** has recorded that due to 

Asperger’s Syndrome, Adrian may misunderstand euphemisms and 

metaphors and will need to be addressed using simple language. 

***** was also told that Adrian was reasonably articulate and 

understands the concept of truth and lies but may lack judgement of 

situations. 

155. On 12 January 2006, ***** conducted a vulnerable witness interview 

with Adrian, which was recorded on videotape. Following the 

interview, she contacted both ***** and Officer B to update them 

about the interview. 

156. On 23 January 2006, ***** had received two telephone messages 

from Adrian’s ***** asking for advice regarding Adrian’s safety. ***** 

advised ***** that she would contact Officer A about this issue. ***** 

spoke to Officer A on the same day, who said she would contact 

Adrian and his grandparents offering advice. ***** also contacted 

****** at Social Services and advised her of this as well. 

Redacted Version 30

***** 

***** 


157. ***** had no further dealings with this incident or with Adrian after this 

date. 

158. ***** provided a statement to the IPCC. ***** is a social worker who 

was responsible for arranging support and managing the needs and 

developments for Adrian. 

159. ***** said that she first became aware of the allegation made by 

Adrian on 13 January 2006, when she returned from leave. ***** 

was made aware of this by the Adult Protection Co-ordinator, *****, 

and also told that she would be contacted by the police. 

160. ***** said that she was contacted by ***** from West Mercia 

Constabulary, who asked about Adrian, his reliability and his 

character. ***** said she told ***** that Adrian would have difficulty 

making things up. ***** said that she had no further contact from 

West Mercia Constabulary about the rape allegation and was 

informed by ***** on 3 April 2006 that the case had been closed and 

no further action was being taken. ***** had asked ***** if there was 

anybody to talk to as she believed that there was more behind the 

incident than appeared. 

161. ***** arrested ***** on 26 January 2006. Following the arrest, ***** 

took ***** to custody at Worcester Police Station. 

162. ***** said that the officer investigating the rape allegation was ***** 

said that he believed his role to assist in securing evidence as 

quickly as possible to allow CID to take over the case at a later date 

as the allegation was a serious arrestable offence. 

Redacted Version 31

***** 

***** 

163. ***** had no further involvement in the rape investigation. 


164. ***** interviewed ***** following his arrest, along with Officer A on 26 

January 2006. 

165. ***** was requested to assist Officer A by *****. He was aware that 

***** had already been arrested and the role he was given was to 

interview *****. 

166. Prior to the interview ***** met with Officer A in order to ascertain the 

circumstances of the allegation. ***** recalls that the evidence in the 

case was not strong and the allegation was based entirely on the 

complaint made by Adrian, this being from Adrian’s interview. (At the 

time of the interview of *****, the only information that was available 

was Adrian’s interview. Nothing else had been carried out). 

167. ***** sole involvement with the investigation was to conduct the 

interview. His involvement was only on 26 January 2006 and he had 

no further involvement in the case following this. 

168. Earlier in 2008, ***** contacted Officer A as he could not recall 

whether or not a medical examination had taken place in respect of 

Adrian. Officer A told him that she had been informed not to speak 

to anybody about the case, so he is still unaware. Officer A said in 

her interview, which will be covered later in more detail, that ***** 

advised her not to have Adrian medically examined until CPS had 

provided further advice. ***** cannot recall advising Officer A in 

respect of a medical examination at the time of the interview. 

169. ***** was a Detective Sergeant at the time of the allegation made by 

Redacted Version 32

***** 


Adrian. He has been spoken to by IPCC investigators but has not 

provided a statement due to his limited recollection. 

170. ***** cannot recall much about the rape investigation and has said 

that the only reason he recalls some was that he saw on the news 

after Adrian had been killed after a rape allegation had been made. 

171. ***** said that he can recall making a detective available for the 

interview and that the suspect accused of the rape was arrested, 

interviewed and then bailed. He recalls the file being sent to the 

Crown Prosecution Service but does not recall what happened 

thereafter. 

172. ***** has said the reason that his recollection is so poor is that his 

mind was focussed on personal issues at that time and not fully on 

the job. 

173. ***** was the Divisional Inspector with responsibility for Tenbury 

Wells. He has since retired from West Mercia Constabulary. 

174. ***** has been spoken to and originally agreed to provide a 

statement to the IPCC. 

175. When he was first spoken to, ***** informed IPCC investigators that 

he cannot recall an allegation of male rape being made by anybody 

within Tenbury Wells whilst he was an Inspector. He said that he 

took end of service leave and retired from West Mercia at the end of 

December 2005. This was prior to Adrian making any allegations of 

rape. 

176. ***** indicated that another Inspector would have been the divisional 

inspector at the time of this allegation. 

177. ***** asked if the allegation had been crimed. When he was 

Redacted Version 33

***** 


informed that it had not been crimed, he said that this was the 

reason that he was not aware. He went on to say that had the 

incident been crimed a number of people would have been aware of 

the allegation made by Adrian, including the Divisional Commander 

and CID. 

178. ***** was further spoken to by IPCC Investigators in an attempt to 

obtain a witness statement from him. He was informed that minutes 

of meetings had been obtained that showed that he was still working 

within West Mercia Constabulary after the allegation was made by 

Adrian and also after an interview had taken place. ***** has not 

provided a statement to the IPCC. ***** retired from West Mercia 

Constabulary on 9 February 2006. 

179. ***** was the Senior Crown Prosecutor who liaised with Officer A 

about the rape file. She said that she had a lengthy meeting with 

Officer A discussing the case and then took away the file to consider 

further. At the time, ***** was acting as the pre-charge advice lawyer 

at Worcester Police Station when she spoke with Officer A. 

180. ***** was fully aware of Adrian having Asperger’s Syndrome and took 

this into consideration when making her decision. ***** role was to 

establish whether or not there was sufficient admissible evidence to 

have a realistic prospect of conviction. 

181. ***** says that she was concerned about the time frame given by 

Adrian. In his initial call to police she recalls he had said that the 

rape took place four years ago. In Adrian’s interview, he said that 

the rape took place four weeks ago. This was an issue as the time 

frame, in ***** view, needed to be narrowed down. 

182. Another issue that ***** had was in relation to Adrian not being able 

Redacted Version 34


to testify in the court case for the theft of the fire engine. She says 

that she was aware of a report commissioned by Adrian’s solicitors 

and they were contacted to provide a copy. She was told that she 

couldn’t have access until they had Adrian’s consent and she was 

told that it would be difficult for them to gain informed consent. ***** 

did not obtain a copy of the report, but said that she made the 

ultimate decision that Adrian was not fit to appear in court. 

183. ***** also looked at whether there was any corroborative evidence 

obtained to support Adrian’s allegation. She said that there was no 

medical evidence to confirm any form of sexual assault. ***** said 

that the officer in the case (Officer A) tried very hard to obtain any 

form of corroborative evidence, but these avenues were negative. 

Some of the avenues that ***** made reference to were soiled 

underwear and or bedding, complaints about stomach aches or 

Adrian himself being withdrawn. ***** says that she believed that 

there was no police doctor examination of Adrian and she thought 

that was because of family concerns of putting him through this. 

184. ***** said that due to the lack of evidence it resulted in being Adrian’s 

word against ***** word and because of this, the decision was that 

there was no realistic prospect of conviction. 

185. ***** described Officer A as being totally committed to the 

investigation and had no concerns about her capabilities. 

West Mercia’s Serious Sexual Offences Policy 

186. West Mercia Constabulary had in place a Serious Sexual Offences 

policy which highlighted the procedure in which serious sexual 

offences should be investigated. The following areas are those that 

must be considered during the initial response: - 

• Preservation of life 

• Preservation of scene(s) 

Redacted Version 35

• Securing evidence (in particular forensic evidence) 

• Identification of victim(s) and witnesses 

• Identification of suspects. 


187. The policy also states “Even if the allegation amounts to an historic 

complaint an immediate response is necessary.” 

188. At the earliest opportunity a Victim Contact Log must be initiated by 

the first officer assigned to the victim until the arrival of a SOLO. 

(Sexual Offences Liaison Officer) 

189. The victims immediate needs should be considered with sensitivity 

with regard to their age, gender, ethnicity/cultural background and, if 

known, sexual orientation. 

190. Officers should be mindful about use of terminology and depending 

on the wishes of the victim, it may be more appropriate to describe 

the incident as a serious sexual assault and avoid the word ‘rape’. 

191. Once the basic facts have been established the duty supervisor 

should be contacted immediately who will contact further resources 

as follows: 

• SOLO (Sexual Offences Liaison Officer) 

• On call Detective Sergeant 

192. Whilst the entire policy will not be rehearsed here, the following 

aspects are also covered “The identification and early arrest of the 

suspect must always remain a high priority” and “A medical 

examination of the victim must be conducted by a trained forensic 

medical examiner (FME) and must have the consent and co- 

operation of the victim.” 

Interview of Officer A 

193. Officer A was served with a Regulation 9 notice regarding her 

Redacted Version 36


involvement in Adrian’s rape allegation as the officer in the case. 

194. Officer A was interviewed under misconduct caution and said the 

following. 

195. At the time of the allegation, Officer A had been out of her 

probationary period for ten months, giving her a total service of just 

short of three years. She was based at Tenbury Wells Police Station 

and her role was that of a Beat Officer for the area. 

196. Officer A was aware that Adrian Palmer “had some issues” but it is 

clear that she did not understand Asperger’s syndrome and how it 

affected Adrian. 

197. On her arrival to work on 7 January 2006, around 08:00 hours, 

Officer A was met by Officer B, who informed her that they were 

going to collect Adrian from Worcester Police Station and discuss 

some allegations he made. The allegation was that Adrian had been 

raped, so Officer A took along with her a West Mercia Constabulary 

Victim Log for Serious Sexual Offences. 

198. Both Officer A and Officer B collected Adrian from Worcester Police 

Station and returned him to his home address in Tenbury Wells, 

where he was spoken to in the presence of his grandmother. Officer 

A completed a Victim’s Sexual Offences Log. The interview was 

stopped and arrangements were made for Adrian to be interviewed 

by a specially trained person. 

199. Officer A arranged for ***** to conduct the interview with Adrian at 

the earliest opportunity. This interview took place on 12 January 

2006. Following this interview, Officer A waited for the transcripts of 

the interview to be sent to her, so that she could decide on what 

further lines of enquiry to follow. 

200. Officer A said that this type of allegation was usually investigated by 

Redacted Version 37


CID and she was aware that her Sergeant, Officer B, was attempting 

to pass the investigation to them. Officer A indicated that she felt out 

of her depth conducting this investigation but does comment that she 

received some support and advice from her sergeant. 

201. Once the transcript of the interview with Adrian was ready, 

arrangements were made to arrest *****. Officer A said that Officer B 

was still trying to pass the file to CID, and at this point CID provided 

one detective to assist in the interview of *****. Officer A was the 

second interviewer of ***** and she said how strange this was for 

her. Normally interviews of rape suspects are carried out by 

detectives and not uniformed officers, but she accepted the 

opportunity. 

202. Following the interview, Officer A said that ***** recommended that 

before any medical examination or forensic work is carried out in the 

investigation, CPS should be consulted for guidance. ***** said that 

this advice was provided in relation to budgetary restraints and to 

carry out the work if CPS said it was required. 

203. From the interviews of both Adrian and ***** had compiled a list of 

names of potential witnesses who could assist in the enquiry. Two 

statements were taken following the interview of *****, these being 

***** and *****. 

204. Officer A felt like she wasn’t getting the support she required from 

West Mercia. She raised this with Officer B, who she says was 

trying to assist but did not have the necessary skills or experience. 

Officer A decided to speak with CPS to identify what work they would 

require for the rape investigation. 

205. Officer A put together a file which she describes as being an advice 

file, with the purpose of discussing with CPS to establish an action 

plan of further lines of enquiry. Within the file were the statements 

mentioned above, the transcripts of both Adrian and ***** interviews, 

Redacted Version 38


call logs and a list of names that Officer A wrote up from both 

interviews. Officer A said that she met with ***** of the CPS with this 

intention in mind. Following the meeting Officer A said that ***** took 

the file away to consider further. Officer A believes this meeting took 

place at the beginning of February 2006. 

206. Officer A said that towards the beginning of the following month, 

March 2006, she received the file back as “NFA” which means no 

further action. She says she was surprised at this as she was 

expecting to receive an action plan of further work to be carried out. 

207. Officer A then submitted the incident to be closed. 

208. Officer A was asked about her knowledge of the Sexual Offences 

Policy. She said that she was not aware of this specific policy, but 

was aware that there policies relating to work areas. She had never 

heard of a SOLO (Sexual Offences Liaison Officer) and was not 

aware of the various procedures she could have carried out. In 

mitigation, Officer A said that she was an inexperienced officer who 

was dealing with the incident. She said that if she did not do the 

work on the file, nobody would have done anything. 

Interview of Officer B 

209. Officer B was interviewed under misconduct caution. Officer B had 

thirteen years service as a police officer when this incident took 

place. 

210. She broadly says the same as Officer A in respect of her 

involvement with Adrian Palmer, with some additions. 

211. Officer B said that she received a call from Worcester Police Station 

regarding Adrian and the allegation he had made asking someone to 

collect him from Worcester. Officer B cannot remember who made 

the call and this investigation has not been able to identify who has 

Redacted Version 39

made the call. 


212. Officer B said that her and Officer A took Adrian home as his 

grandparents could not collect him. (***** has said that she does not 

recall any telephone calls asking her to collect Adrian from 

Worcester Police Station. She has said that if she were asked she 

would have been able to collect Adrian from Worcester and also that 

she would have been made aware of the rape allegation prior to the 

arrival of Adrian and the officers). 

213. Officer B said that she regularly tried to pass the investigation to CID 

at Worcester. She said that she liaised with *****, who returned the 

file to her and said that she could have one detective to assist in the 

interview, but the rest of the work should be carried out by her and 

the OIC. ***** said that CID in Worcester at the time ‘cherry picked’ 

jobs that they got involved in and used the example of when Adrian’s 

body was found. When Adrian’s body was found Officer B said “You 

couldn’t move in Tenbury for CID”. 

214. Officer B said the frustration of CID not taking the investigation 

caused her to go to her Inspector at the time,*****. Officer B said she 

received a negative response from ***** and the impression she got 

was not to bother the inspector with issues as he was close to 

retirement. 

215. Officer B accepted she did not crime the incident and in hindsight 

would have done. 

Conclusion regarding Rape Investigation 

Officer A 

216. It is believed that you were the officer in the case for the rape 

investigation and you failed to conduct a thorough investigation prior 

Redacted Version 40


to submission of a case file to the Crown Prosecution Service. 

217. Substantiated 

218. The investigation recognises that Officer A was a relatively 

inexperienced officer at the time of the rape allegation and should 

not have been involved as the OIC in a serious criminal investigation. 

This investigation should have been carried out by CID. 

219. The investigation also recognises that if Officer A had not done what 

she had in relation to the investigation, nothing would have been 

done at all, albeit there was only a limited amount done. 

220. Officer A did not have to wait for the notes of the interview with 

Adrian from *****. Officer A could have had them immediately as 

they were ready after the interview or at the very least had them 

collected/sent to Tenbury Wells. There is no evidence to suggest 

Officer A quickly obtained this information, however there is evidence 

to show that Officer B was aware of the outcome of the interview 

within two hours of the interview finishing. 

221. What the investigation does not accept from the evidence obtained is 

Officer A’s dealings with CPS. Officer A submitted an advice file in 

relation the rape investigation with the intention of obtaining 

guidance from CPS of where to go next in the investigation. Officer 

A was aware that there were further lines of enquiry to be followed 

up prior to submitting a file to CPS, such as the lack of medical 

evidence or the potential witnesses named. 

222. Items were seized from ***** flat in relation to the allegation. This 

was bedding. The items were seized for possible forensic 

examination, however no forensic examination was carried out nor 

was there a forensic strategy in relation to these items. 

223. When CPS returned the file to Officer A “NFA” (no further action), 

Redacted Version 41


she should have further liaised with CPS to outline the areas that 

had not been covered within the investigation. CPS cites one of the 

reasons for taking no further action was the complete absence of any 

medical evidence. Officer A was fully aware that no medical 

examination had taken place in relation to Adrian. She could have at 

this opportunity discussed with CPS that no medical examination had 

taken place and organised for one to take place as soon as possible. 

Whilst it is accepted that a medical examination may not have 

provided any evidence to improve the prospect of conviction, the fact 

that it did not take place is a missed opportunity to gather potential 

evidence. The medical examination should have taken place as 

soon as possible after the allegation was made. This is a failing of 

Officer A. 

224. Again, where CPS make reference to no corroborative evidence to 

assist a prosecution for rape, there is no evidence that Officer A 

attempted to obtain this. No enquiries were made with family 

members in respect of Adrian and his behaviour in the lead up to his 

allegation. No enquiries were made about ***** background, other 

than obtaining some incident logs. The list of names that Officer A 

provided to CPS could have given further evidence to the rape 

investigation, either for or against a conviction. Of the eight people 

on the handwritten list, only two provided statements to the 

investigation, neither of whom gave evidence regarding a rape 

allegation. Other, more significant witnesses were listed, such as 

***** and *****. ***** was the first person that Adrian informed of the 

rape allegation. Had ***** been spoken to, she could have provided 

other names of whom Adrian had informed, such as *****. This is a 

failing of Officer A. 

225. The evidence provided by Officer A regarding her dealings with CPS 

is different to that provided by ***** of the CPS. *****, as discussed 

in her evidence, has said that she believed potential lines of enquiry 

Redacted Version 42


had been followed up by Officer A to no avail. Officer A, however, 

states that she is fully aware of lines of enquiry that have not been 

completed and that she submits an incomplete file to CPS. 

226. With the knowledge Officer A had regarding the incomplete lines of 

enquiry, she could have made the CPS aware that these had not 

been done. The rationale from CPS is very clear as to why no 

further action would be taken, however a number of points within the 

rationale (such as medical or corroborative evidence) had not been 

done to the knowledge of Officer A. Officer A could have discussed 

these issues with Officer B or other supervisors for further advice on 

what she should do. 

227. Again, with the knowledge Officer A had regarding incomplete lines 

of enquiry, the rape investigation file should not have been submitted 

to the Criminal Justice Unit until Officer A had sought further 

guidance from a supervisor. 

228. The Palmer family has raised with IPCC a concern as to what is 

Officer B 

recorded on the incident log when Adrian alleges he was raped. A 

query as to the record of “four years” could have been “for years”. 

This cannot be answered by this investigation as the original tapes of 

the call from Adrian are no longer available. Had the tapes been 

secured by Officer A as part of her investigation, then this matter 

may be able to be answered. 

229. It is believed that you were the supervising officer for the rape 

investigation conducted by Officer A and you failed to ensure that a 

thorough investigation was conducted as well as failing to ensure an 

appropriate file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. 

230. Substantiated. 

Redacted Version 43


231. Officer B had quite a substantial involvement with the allegation of 

rape made by Adrian. She was Officer A’s line manager and 

provided advice and guidance to Officer A throughout her 

involvement. 

232. The investigation has shown that Officer B made a conscious 

decision not to crime the allegation made by Adrian. The rationale at 

the time was that further enquiries were being made to ascertain 

whether a crime had been committed. This is a failing. An allegation 

had been made and at that point there was no evidence to suggest 

the crime had not taken place. The incident should have been 

crimed. Furthermore, once Adrian had been formally interviewed as 

a vulnerable witness he again discloses he has been raped. This is 

another point when the allegation could have been crimed. ***** was 

arrested on suspicion of male rape, but still the allegation has not 

been crimed by anybody. The incident should have been crimed 

when the allegation had been made, but even had it not been there 

were other points of the investigation that should have caused the 

incident to be crimed. In addition, Officer B had some involvement in 

an incident that took place on 16 April 2006, when Adrian informed 

police that he had inappropriately touched his sister. Social Services 

took on the case as they felt Adrian was confused rather than 

actually committing an offence, however the incident was crimed as 

a sexual assault. 

233. Officer B said that she attempted to get CID involved and was 

frustrated by their refusal to take on the rape case. She said that 

she tried to raise the issue with her then Inspector, *****, however he 

was not interested as he was due to retire. Officer B’s attempts at 

getting CID involved appear to start and end with speaking with ***** 

and *****. She could have gone to any number of other more senior 

officers with her issues of CID, however there is no evidence to 

suggest she did and Officer B herself cannot provide any evidence to 

Redacted Version 44


this. Indeed, ***** himself commented that had the incident been 

crimed, ‘everybody’ would have been aware of the allegation from 

the Head of CID to the Divisional Commander. 

234. Officer B, being the supervisor of Officer A, should have ensured that 

***** arrest was carried out soon after the interview of Adrian Palmer. 

There was a delay of fourteen days between Adrian being 

interviewed and describing that he had been raped and ***** being 

arrested. During this fourteen days, ***** was aware of the allegation 

that Adrian had made and was waiting for police officers to arrest 

him. A greater priority should have been placed on the arrest of ***** 

to ensure an effective and efficient investigation, as well as enabling 

best evidence to be obtained. In the two week period between the 

interview and the arrest, there is no evidence to suggest from Officer 

B (or Officer A) that the arrest could not have been carried out 

sooner. By that it is meant, they both worked during the period and 

have not produced evidence to show that an arrest could not be 

carried out, for example dealing with other enquiries. 

235. Officer B authorised the file that was passed to CPS. She signs the 

file off as the supervisor and allows it to go. This file is allowed to be 

sent to CPS when a number of lines of enquiry had not been 

followed up or actioned. Officer B could have directed Officer A to 

conduct the lines of enquiry prior to submission of the file or offered 

her further advice. The fact that the file was signed off by a 

supervisor also suggests that the file has been submitted to CPS for 

consideration rather than for advice. 

Criminal Investigation Department 

236. It would appear that CID was contacted soon after the initial 

allegation of rape was made by Adrian Palmer. *****s has accepted 

that he was aware of the incident, albeit his memory is not able to 

Redacted Version 45

furnish the investigation with sufficient detail. 


237. An allegation of rape is a serious offence. It would only be correct 

that CID should have taken on the investigation themselves rather 

than leave it with a front line community police officer with no 

experience of serious sexual offence investigations. Indeed, West 

Mercia Constabulary’s Serious Sexual Offences Policy states that 

this matter is dealt with by CID. 

238. The provision of a detective to conduct the interview of the named 

suspect, *****, was inadequate to say the least. As commented by 

Officer A, if she had not done what she had in relation to this 

allegation and then nothing at all would have been done. Had the 

investigation been left with CID, then it is only hypothetical what 

would have actually been investigated. 

Further line of enquiry requested by West Mercia Police Federation 

239. On 16 June 2009 a meeting was held between West Mercia 

Constabulary Police Federation and the IPCC. At this meeting the 

content of the report was discussed and issues were raised by the 

Federation. 

240. The Federation voiced their concern that the report focussed on two 

officers for the issues surrounding the rape investigation and they felt 

that other officers would have been involved or aware of the 

allegation. A request was made that the IPCC liaised with ***** in 

the Information Management and Technology Department (IMTD) to 

carry out audit checks on the custody records and OIS incident logs 

relating to Adrian Palmer’s allegation. 

241. On 17 June 2009 *****, the Head of the IMTD was spoken to 

regarding the possibility of carrying out audit checks on specific 

documents. The records that were requested to be audited 

Redacted Version 46


consisted of OIS 0138S 070106 (incident log), custody record 

310150 for Adrian Palmer and custody record 311644 for *****. The 

request was made to cover all persons that accessed these records, 

with the possibility of further work once the initial audit had been 

carried out. 

242. On 2 July 2009, the results of the audit were sent to the IPCC. The 

specific timescale for the audit was between 7 January 2006 and 9 

March 2006, which coincided with the allegation date and the date 

that both Adrian and ***** were informed there would be no further 

action taken. 

OIS 0138S 070106 

243. The Command and Control log (OIS) was audited between the 

above mentioned dates. It should be noted that the OIS system itself 

does not have a separate audit trail; therefore anyone viewing the 

record through this system is not logged. The audit has viewed 

those that have accessed the incident log through the Force intranet 

browser and has shown that the incident log was accessed by ***** 

on 27 January 2006. This is the day after ***** arrested*****. No 

other officer or civilian member of staff is shown as viewing the 

incident log. 

Adrian Palmer’s custody record 310150 

244. Adrian Palmer’s custody record shows that it has been accessed by 

two people, ***** and *****, both on 7 January 2006. 

245. ***** had not been spoken to as part of the investigation, however 

was once her name was identified contact was made. ***** was 

specifically asked about her knowledge of Adrian Palmer and also of 

the comments he made whilst in custody of Adrian being blackmailed 

for sex. ***** was on day shift on the day in question, starting at 

Redacted Version 47


08:30 hours. She was unaware of the blackmailed for sex comment 

as this has been recorded prior to her shift starting and she could not 

recognise the hand writing on the custody record. 

246. In relation to recalling dealing with Adrian Palmer at all whilst in 

custody, ***** could not remember Adrian at all. 

Allegations regarding threats made against Adrian 

Palmer 

247. The Palmer family allege that Adrian received a series of text 

messages and voicemail messages following him making an 

allegation of rape against *****. 

248. The alleged threats can be split into two distinct categories. Those 

received before 9 March 2006 and those received after 9 March 

2006. The significance of 9 March 2006 is that is when both Adrian 

and ***** were notified that the rape investigation was not being 

taken any further. 

Threats prior to 9 March 2006 

249. Following Adrian and ***** fallout when in Wales, ***** returned to 

Tenbury Wells. The exact date of the fallout between the two cannot 

be ascertained, but it is acknowledged to be somewhere between 26 

January 2006 and 28 January 2006. 

250. On 28 th January 2006, ***** contacted West Mercia Police regarding 

an incident that took place between Adrian and *****. ***** speaks 

with Officer A and tells her that Adrian had tried to act out a scene 

from Eastenders with ***** and ***** has returned to Tenbury 

because of it. Accounts of this incident differ. ***** says that ***** 

bought Adrian a bottle of vodka which led to him becoming drunk 

and tried to kiss *****. This caused the fallout. ***** says that the 

Redacted Version 48


incident was Adrian being drunk and pinning her to a wall and then 

walking her towards some stairs. ***** informed Officer A that ***** 

has text Adrian today (28/01/2006) saying that she no longer 

supported Adrian and would support ***** regarding the rape 

allegation. 

251. ***** says that she understood the fallout between Adrian and ***** to 

be that ***** had got Adrian drunk. When Adrian was drunk, he then 

tried to kiss *****. ***** took offence at this and returned to Tenbury 

Wells. 

252. ***** gave a different account of why she returned to Tenbury Wells. 

She stated that Adrian had got extremely drunk and both her and 

*****, tried to put Adrian to bed. Whilst doing this, Adrian started to 

pretend he was ‘Johnny Allen’, who was a character in Eastenders at 

the time. Adrian allegedly pinned ***** against the wall of a bedroom 

and had to be restrained by ******. Due to this incident ***** returned 

to Tenbury Wells as Adrian’s actions had upset her. 

253. A further incident took place between Adrian and *****. This incident 

is believed to have taken place on the evening of 10 February 2006. 

254. Adrian was walking home from a night out in Tenbury Wells. As he 

was walking back to his home, a car containing ***** drove slowly 

along next to Adrian. ***** was shouting abuse at Adrian, throwing 

plastic bottles at him, sending text messages and at one point got 

out of the car and pushed Adrian. This information was provided by 

*****, as to what Adrian had told them. 

255. ***** has provided information to confirm this incident and she 

accepts that she was abusive towards Adrian, but states that she 

was not sorry for what she had done. She was not sorry because of 

what Adrian had done to her in Wales. 

256. The following morning, 11 February 2006, *****, went to Tenbury 

Redacted Version 49


Wells Police Station to make a complaint about the way in which 

Adrian had been treated. ***** was allocated to the incident. It 

should be noted that no record of the complaint can be found on 

West Mercia’s systems. The only record that has been found in 

relation to this is a pocket book entry of *****. Officer B, when 

interviewed, could only recall ***** visiting the police station and 

speaking to her in relation to social services, not making a complaint 

as to how Adrian had been dealt with the previous evening. 

257. On 11 February 2006, ***** views messages on both Adrian’s 

mobile-phone and ***** mobile-phone. 

258. ***** has only recorded some of the messages contained within 

Adrian’s phone. These are as follows: - 

259. “Ring me you fucking spastic” 

260. “Stop fucking bothering me” 

261. ***** also records that there are a number of other similar messages 

and that following advice from Officer B; he provides advice to both 

Adrian and ***** about texting each other. 

262. The advice provided to both ***** and Adrian appeared to have a 

result, as there do not appear to be any further calls about the 

telephone incidents between ***** and Adrian. 

Threats post 9 March 2006 

***** 

263. ***** states that sometime after CPS made the decision that they 

would take no further action, Adrian received a number of voicemail 

messages on his mobile phone. She says that all of the messages 

were threatening, but were disguised in some way. She can say that 

Redacted Version 50

***** 


the messages were left by a male and there was a Welsh accent. 

She described the messages as having a crisp packet being rustled 

over the top of the voice, so that it was difficult to understand. ***** 

described the accent of the voice as sounding Welsh. ***** stated 

that she heard all of the messages, the first two messages could not 

be understood and the following messages were the ones that could 

be understood: - 

264. “They don’t call me *****, they call me *****” 

265. “You’ve got a tight little arse; I’m going to shag it till it bleeds and 

bleeds.” 

266. “You’re dead” 

267. ***** has said that she recalls the first three messages as being sent 

on 10 th March 2006 and the last message was 23 rd March 2006. 

268. ***** said that ***** had heard the messages, along with ***** (A 

Women’s Aid Worker) and ***** (Adrian’s psychologist) 

269. ***** told the IPCC that whilst Adrian was staying with her in Wales, 

she heard a number of voicemail messages on his mobile phone. 

She describes the messages exactly as that of *****. ***** says that 

she was shocked by these messages. She heard these messages 

sometime in March 2006, but could not be sure. ***** said that her 

support worker, *****, visited on the day the messages were heard 

and ***** also listened to them. 

270. The statement that ***** provided to West Mercia Constabulary on 27 

June 2006 makes reference to the voicemail messages. This 

statement was provided just over one month after Adrian’s death and 

around three months after the voicemail messages were first heard. 

Redacted Version 51

***** 


271. In the statement of 27 June 2006, ***** describes the voicemail 

messages differently to how they are now described. She described 

there being three messages. Also in this statement, Jeanette said 

she could not remember the content of the first two messages aside 

from them being threatening and abusive. 

272. Jeanette said that she could only recall the following comments from 

the third message: - 

273. “They don’t call me *****, they call *****” and “I’m with ***** and you 

better watch your back”. 

274. However, in the statement provided to the IPCC she can now say 

what all of the voice mails said verbatim. 

275. ***** also said that the text messages on Adrian’s phone were 

deleted, so that he could not respond to them. In her statement to 

West Mercia Police in June 2006 she said that she deleted the 

messages one night when Adrian went to bed. In the statement 

***** provided to the IPCC she said that her son, *****, deleted the 

messages. 

276. ******. He provided a statement to the IPCC. 

277. ***** recalls there being a number of text messages on Adrian’s 

mobile phone when Adrian was staying with ***** in Wales. He said 

there were around thirty messages and they were a mixture of text 

messages from family members, ***** and *****. 

278. ***** says that he cannot remember what the text messages said 

from ***** and *****, but said that they were threatening. ***** said 

that he tried to save the text messages but actually deleted them 

himself. 

Redacted Version 52

***** 


279. ***** said that, whilst he was aware of there being voicemail 

messages on Adrian’s mobile phone, he did not listen to any of them 

himself. 

280. ***** and he starts his statement to the IPCC by explaining that *****. 

281. He states that in January 2006 Adrian was brought home by two 

police officers and alleged that ***** had raped him. ***** was not 

present at this time and was not present during any of the 

conversations with Adrian about the rape. 

282. ***** says that following the rape allegation Adrian received a 

number of vile text and voicemail messages, which he said were 

from ***** says the type of things that were in the texts but did not 

see any of the texts or hear any of the messages himself. 

283. ***** works for Women’s Aid and is a Support Co-ordinator. ***** 

was one of the clients of *****. 

284. On 30 March 2006, ***** visited ***** as a regular appointment. 

Adrian was staying with ***** at the time. ***** recalls that when she 

arrived, ***** was quite stressed about something. ***** wanted ***** 

to listen to some messages on Adrian’s mobile phone, which Adrian 

agreed to. 

285. ***** listened to the messages and describes hearing three. All the 

messages were the same distorted muffled voice. ***** can say the 

voice was male but can't describe it any further than that as it was so 

distorted. ***** could not hear all of the messages only pick out bits 

of what was said. One message talked about anal sex and "I'm 

going to kill you". ***** general feeling about the messages was that 

they were disgusting and unpleasant. 

Redacted Version 53

***** 


286. ***** only recalls listening to one other message on Adrian’s phone 

and that was from a female asking Adrian to stop texting her. 

287. ***** advised ***** to speak with the police about these messages 

and to take it further. 

288. ***** is a police officer employed by Gwent Police. On 31 March 

2006, ***** visited ***** regarding voicemail messages. This visit 

followed a call to Gwent Police by *****. 

289. On arrival at ***** house, ***** was told that Adrian Palmer had been 

receiving threatening messages on his mobile phone. 

290. ***** cannot remember how many messages in total there were. She 

remembers listening to at least one. It was very muffled and a bit 

threatening. She recalls that it was unclear what was being said and 

describes it as sounding like the music of the heavy metal band 

SLIPKNOT. ***** said she would have told them not to delete any 

messages or texts and to show them to any police officers that they 

reported to. ***** has made a comprehensive pocket note book entry 

in relation to this incident, however does not record what the 

voicemail messages actually said. 

291. ***** says that she was aware that Jeanette and Adrian were 

Officer C 

returning to Tenbury Wells, so advised them to make the police in 

Tenbury aware of the calls. There is no mention of knowledge of the 

rape allegation. 

292. On 1 April 2006, Adrian Palmer went to Tenbury Wells Police and 

reported the voicemail messages. Officer C visited Adrian and 

Redacted Version 54

***** 


listened to the voicemail messages. Officer C has retired since the 

investigation started, prior to any interview being carried out. Officer 

C has declined to speak to the IPCC since his retirement. The IPCC 

had been informed that Officer C was due to retire in July 2008, so 

interviews were due to be set up for all officers in June 2008. When 

these interviews were set up it was identified that Officer C had 

already retired. 

293. The incident log shows that Officer C attended and he then updates 

the log on his return. The log is updated as saying “Voicemail 

messages are unintelligible. A Welsh accent can be made out. 

Advice given”. 

294. No further action is taken by Officer C in respect of this incident. 

295. Officer C provided a statement to the murder investigation regarding 

this incident and also gave evidence in court. His statement makes 

reference to what is recorded on the log. Whilst giving evidence in 

court, Officer C made reference to having dealt with ***** on a 

previous occasion where he had to restrain him. The Palmer family 

recall that Officer C said that he was told that the voicemail 

messages were from an unknown source, however this has been 

disputed. 

296. ***** is a Clinical Psychologist and had dealings with Adrian from 

April 2005. 

297. On 5 April 2006, ***** had an appointment with Adrian at Adrian’s 

home address. ***** was also present. 

298. ***** says that he heard two messages on Adrian’s mobile phone 

whilst he was there. He has recorded these calls in his notes as 

threatening/abusive calls. 

Redacted Version 55


299. ***** cannot recall the content of the voicemail messages. He 

describes the voice in the messages as sounding like it had been 

distorted by computer software. Dr Richens can recall that what was 

being said was clear and could be understood, however he has not 

noted what was said and can no longer recall them. 

Forensic Telecommunication Service 

***** 

300. Adrian had three mobile telephones, all of which were used at some 

point between January 2006 and May 2006. All of the mobile 

telephones have been forensically downloaded and their content 

examined. 

301. The results of the examination show no threatening or abusive text 

messages being sent or received during the period in question, that 

were retained within the phone and sim memory. Also, the download 

show no voicemail messages retained in the phone or sim memory. 

302. The forensic technician who conducted the download stated that it 

isn’t unusual for text messages and voice mail messages not to 

appear in forensic downloads. This is simply because they are no 

longer retained within the memory of the mobile phone. Mobile 

phones that are regularly used have their memory copied over by 

newer content. This means that older content disappears from the 

memory unless it were retrieved in some way earlier. 

303. ***** has provided the IPCC with his own mobile phone records that 

show fourteen text messages being sent from ***** phone to Adrian’s 

phone between 1 January 2006 and 24 April 2006. None of these 

messages have been recovered as part of the forensic downloads. 

Redacted Version 56


Background Information relating to both ***** and Adrian Palmer 

304. Both ***** and Adrian Palmer both had prior dealings with the police 

relating to nuisance and/or threatening calls. 

305. Social Services records show that some time in 2004/5, Adrian was 

making numerous calls to a mobile number. These calls were 

reported to the police by the owner of the phone as they were 

disrupting his business. The calls were traced back to Adrian’s 

mobile telephone and he was spoken to about the calls. Adrian 

admitted making the telephone calls and said that he did not know 

who he was calling; he picked a number at random and kept ringing 

it. Adrian said that this was a ‘joke’ and wrote a letter of apology to 

the owner of the phone. No further police action was taken. 

306. In December 2004, a ***** contacted West Mercia Constabulary due 

to a message being left on her son’s mobile telephone. The 

message said “I’m going to fuck up you and your family like I know 

how.” This took place after ***** stopped her ***** from associating 

with *****. ***** was given a Section 1 harassment warning regarding 

this incident. 

Conclusion pre 9 March 2006 

307. The threats that took place prior to 9 March 2006 appear to be 

regarding a falling out between Adrian Palmer and *****. The content 

of text messages both to and from each of them can be traced, and it 

has been accepted by ***** that it did take place. 

308. No evidence has been found to suggest that these messages were 

as a result of Adrian’s allegation against *****. There was police 

involvement regarding these messages and advice was provided to 

both parties. Following this police involvement, the text message 

threats and abuse between Adrian and ***** seemed to stop. The 

Redacted Version 57


advice provided to both ***** and Adrian appeared to have a result, 

as there do not appear to be any further calls about the telephone 

incidents between ***** and Adrian. In addition to the advice, ***** 

spoke to both Adrian and ***** regarding the text messages. 

Conclusion post 9 March 2006 

309. The threats that allegedly took place following 9 March 2006 are a 

different matter. Although no messages in either voice or text form 

can be forensically obtained, it is accepted that Adrian did receive 

some messages on his mobile phone, due to the number and variety 

of people that listened to them in a short period of time. 

310. What cannot be evidenced is where the voice mail messages came 

from. ***** believe that the messages were sent by *****, however all 

others spoken to who had listened to them do not know who sent 

them. 

311. A significant issue in the identification of where the calls came from 

can be attributed to Officer C. Officer C himself listened to the 

messages. He has described them as unintelligible; however those 

who listened to them before and after both say that the messages 

could be understood. 

312. Had Officer C taken different action and seized the phone to submit 

for forensic analysis, then the person making the calls could have 

potentially been identified and further action taken. 

313. What should have happened in these circumstances were that the 

phone could have been seized for further examination and those 

who had heard the messages (at the point of Officer C being 

involved this would have been ***** and *****) being statemented. 

Also, due to the recent allegation made by Adrian against *****, it 

would not have been inappropriate to speak to ***** as well. In 

Redacted Version 58


addition to the recent history involving both Adrian and *****, due to 

the fact that ***** had been given a harassment warning for leaving 

threatening messages on somebody else’s phone, further work 

should have been undertaken by Officer C to establish who or where 

the messages were coming from. 

314. What the IPCC investigation cannot and will not say is that if the 

phone had been examined at the time of the alleged threats and 

investigated correctly, then Adrian would still be alive. It cannot be 

said at this time where the messages came from. 

West Mercia Constabulary’s Investigation into the death of Adrian 

Palmer. 

315. The IPCC Investigation reviewed what consideration was given by 

the murder investigation into the allegations made by Adrian Palmer 

in the months preceding his death. 

316. On 20 th May 2006, two officers brought Andrew Palmer home after 

he had found out that Adrian had been killed. When this information 

was passed to *****, she asked if it was ***** that had killed Adrian. 

The officers said that they could not say or didn’t know who had 

killed Adrian. The family feel that this is a significant point as they 

knew who had killed Adrian due to the previous dealings with *****. 

317. During the murder investigation, material was recovered relating to 

the rape and telephone threat allegations that Adrian Palmer had 

made. In addition to the material recovered that preceded Adrian’s 

death (such as the file passed to CPS for consideration), statements 

obtained as part of the murder investigation included aspects of the 

allegations where relevant. 

318. Following ***** arrest, he was interviewed at length in relation to 

Adrian Palmer’s death. During the interview, ***** was questioned 

Redacted Version 59


about the allegation that Adrian had made earlier in the year against 

*****. The rape allegation was covered in some detail as to what 

frame of mind that put ***** in. ***** mentioned that on the night that 

he killed Adrian, he discussed the rape allegation with Adrian. He 

said that he discussed it to try and find out why Adrian had made the 

allegation against him. ***** said that the allegation Adrian made 

about being raped upset and angered him, but not enough to kill 

Adrian. ***** said that he just wanted to warn Adrian off and to stop 

following him around. ***** said that he could not recall what was 

said that caused him to get angry and trip over Adrian before holding 

his neck. This area was probed in great detail by the interviewers, 

who challenged ***** on this to find out if this was the reason that 

***** killed Adrian, to stop Adrian from making allegations against 

***** and because of the stigma that was attached to *****. ***** 

denied that he wanted to kill Adrian because of the rape allegation 

but accepted that it was being discussed prior to Adrian’s death. 

319. All of the material that was recovered by the murder investigation 

was brought to the attention of the CPS. The CPS lawyer was aware 

of all of the material which included the rape allegation and the 

telephone threats. The material was reviewed and there was 

considerable discussion between CPS and West Mercia 

Constabulary regarding all of the material that had been recovered. 

320. It would appear that the murder investigation team were aware of the 

previous allegations made by Adrian Palmer and of the impact they 

had in the murder investigation. This material was brought to the 

attention of the CPS during the murder investigation. 

321. CPS also acknowledged the previous incidents involving Adrian 

Palmer and ***** and documentation has been seen which discusses 

these incidents as possible motives. 

Redacted Version 60

Overall Conclusion 


322. The investigation carried out by the IPCC has shown a number of 

failures on the part of officers from West Mercia Constabulary in their 

dealings with Adrian Palmer and his allegations. 

323. Even though failings have been identified on the part of West Mercia 

Constabulary, the investigation cannot say if the rape investigation 

and reports of threats via mobile made were looked into correctly, 

then ***** would not have killed Adrian Palmer on 20 May 2006. It is 

accepted that ***** has said that prior to the incident that took place 

where ***** killed Adrian, they were discussing the rape allegation 

Adrian had made. This does show that ***** was still thinking about 

the allegation made by Adrian, but he said that it did not make him 

angry enough to kill Adrian. 

324. The action carried out in relation to the rape allegation made by 

Adrian Palmer does not amount to an investigation into the 

circumstances, as would be expected. If a more thorough 

investigation was carried out by West Mercia Constabulary into the 

rape allegation made by Adrian, the ultimate decision to charge is 

with the CPS. Even had the lines of enquiry been followed up by 

Officer A it cannot be said whether CPS would have advised to 

charge ***** and indeed prosecuted him. 

325. Likewise, had the telephone threats that were reported by Adrian 

been investigated correctly, it cannot be said whether any further 

action would have been taken against anybody else. 

326. It is acknowledged that although what happened to Adrian was tragic 

and there were a number of failings by West Mercia Police, the 

investigation cannot say that these failings contributed to Adrian’s 

death. 

Redacted Version 61

Recommendations 

Recommendation 1 


327. West Mercia Constabulary have a fairly robust Serious Sexual 

Offences policy and procedure, however the investigation has found 

that knowledge of the policy is limited. 

328. West Mercia Constabulary should raise the awareness of this policy, 

particularly for frontline staff who may be the first officer dealing with 

a serious sexual offence. 


329. West Mercia Constabulary have a number of Sexual Offences 

Liaison Officers who receive specialist training to deal with victims of 

sexual assault, however the investigation has found that knowledge 

of these specialist staff is limited. 

330. West Mercia Constabulary should raise the awareness of and the 

profile of Sexual Offences Liaison Officers. Within this contact 

names and numbers should be available for frontline staff to utilise. 


331. The investigation noted issues about serious crimes being dealt with 

by frontline uniformed officers and comments were made by officers 

that they believe this is still happening. 

332. West Mercia Constabulary to conduct a review of their live serious 

crimes to ascertain that appropriate resources are allocated to deal 

with the crimes. 

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333. The investigation noted that some incidents were reported in person 

at a police station; although no record of these reports could be 

found (they have been corroborated from other sources). 

334. West Mercia Constabulary to review the policy and procedure, as 

well as compliance, regarding the recording of incidents in person at 

police stations. 


335. The investigation noted that there was limited contact between West 

Mercia Constabulary and interested agencies regarding Adrian 

Palmer when he alleged he had been raped. 

336. West Mercia Constabulary should review the working level 

agreements between partner agencies when dealing with vulnerable 

persons. 


337. The investigation noted that West Mercia Constabulary works in 

partnership with autism.west midlands regarding Autism Spectrum 

Disorders and that there is an “Attention Card” available for sufferers 

of Autism Spectrum Disorder to use with both emergency services 

and Criminal Justice workers. 

338. West Mercia Constabulary to raise the awareness of this scheme 

with frontline officers, so that officers themselves can identify 

vulnerable people within the community who may benefit. 

Greg Rielly 

Investigator, IPCC 

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Adrian Palmer - Independent Police Complaints Commission

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