§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action was taken by the police authority in respect of(a) domestic violence perpetrated against his first wife and (b) subsequent incidents of domestic violence in the Bluestone murder case; [35655]
(2) how many incidents of domestic violence perpetrated by Mr. Bluestone were (a) recorded and (b) subject to disciplinary action. [35656]
§ Mr. DenhamFour incidents of domestic violence perpetrated by Karl Bluestone were brought to the attention of Kent County Constabulary, and all were recorded. The alleged victim in each of these incidents was Jill Bluestone. The Police were not aware of the incidents perpetrated against Mr. Bluestone's first wife.
In two of the incidents described above, reference was made to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided to take no further action. No disciplinary action was undertaken in relation to any of the incidents.
Following the murders perpetrated by Karl Bluestone, a number of reviews have been convened to examine the behaviour of the different agencies that had contact with the family. Reports already received have made a number of recommendations for the police and other agencies in order to minimise the risk of further tragedies and highlighted the lessons to be learnt from this particular case. The Home Office has been working closely with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to take forward those recommendations. Once the new ACPO lead officer takes up his duties in September, we shall set a target date for issuing guidance to forces on how to deal effectively with perpetrators of this crime who work within their ranks.