IPCC investigating why drug addict was free to commit murder

Four officers and one member of police staff are being investigated over their contact with a vulnerable man just days before he was murdered by a “chaotic” drug addict. Nicholas Churton, 67, was found dead on March 27, four days after he told North Wales Police the identity of the man who was to murder him. Following the sentencing of 26-year-old Jordan Davidson, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed it is investigating the force over its compliance with safeguarding requirements. The officers and staff member have been advised that they are under criminal investigation and have been served with gross misconduct notices. Mr Churton contacted North Wales Police on March 14 claiming that two days earlier he had been threatened with a hammer by a man called ‘Jordan’ who had stolen his house keys after asking to use his bathroom. It is alleged officers urged him to seek support from other people to identify the suspect. On March 23, Mr Churton again contacted North Wales Police informing the force that he now knew the identity of his assailant – Jordan Davidson. Four days later he was found dead at his flat. Davidson pleaded guilty to the murder at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday (December 6) and was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison. He also admitted a string of other crimes against older men in the days around the murder, including burglaries and robbery, as well as actual bodily harm on the police officers who arrested him. Detective Superintendent Iestyn Davies said the seriousness of Davidson’s crimes “clearly illustrates that Jordan Davidson is an extremely dangerous individual who was prepared to resort to horrific offending in order to fuel his chaotic drug addiction”. IPCC commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “My thoughts remain with Mr Churton’s family and friends following his murder, and all those affected. “Our independent investigation is progressing well and the four officers and one member of police staff have been interviewed by our investigators. “Now the murder case has concluded, we will work to complete our investigation as soon as possible.”