Killing of Gracie Spinks

Gracie Spinks was a swimming instructor and lifeguard from Old Whittington who, at the time of her death, was working as a warehouse operative. She was a keen horse rider and kept her horse at Blue Lodge Farm in Duckmanton. In February 2021, she reported a former colleague, Michael Sellers, to police for stalking. Sellers had previously been her supervisor at the warehouse where she worked.

On the morning of 18 June 2021, Spinks was last seen alive by her mother at around 7:30 am as she left home to tend to her horse. She was found unconscious in the horse's field shortly after 8 am, and a man was seen running away from the scene. Responders initially believed she may have been kicked by the horse, but paramedics recognised signs of an attack and alerted police. She was declared dead at 8:50 am. A post-mortem examination determined that she died from a stab wound that severed an artery and her spine; there was no evidence of sexual assault.

Michael Sellers was found dead in a field less than a mile from the scene at 11 am the same day. Separate inquests were held into the two deaths. Police have said they believe Sellers was responsible for Spinks's stab wounds and that he took his own life afterward.

Following the killing, Derbyshire Constabulary referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because of the force's earlier contact with Spinks regarding her stalking report. An investigation resulted in disciplinary notices being served on five police officers. Two officers received notices relating to how they handled Spinks's stalking allegations against Sellers. A sergeant and two constables received misconduct notices concerning the steps taken after a bag of weapons — including a hammer, an axe and knives — was discovered near the site of the stabbing in May 2021, prior to the killing.

Spinks's family has since campaigned for what they call "Gracie's Law," which would seek to increase funding for the investigation of stalking cases. Her parents have said that she was failed by police in the handling of her stalking complaint before her death.