'My twin was killed in a brutal double murder - now we've been told empty words'

The twin brother of a man who was brutally killed in a double murder has slammed the 'empty words' of a police watchdog report.

Steven Harnett, 25, and his partner Katie Higton, 27, were stabbed to death in a 'ferocious and merciless' knife attack by Marcus Osborne in Huddersfield last year. Osborne, 35, said 'Romeo and Juliet can die together now' after the double killing which left Katie with 99 injuries and Steven with 24 wounds including mutilated genitals.

A court heard how on May 10 last year - five days before the murders - Katie went to the police to make a complaint about Osborne, and spoke to a member of police staff over the phone later that day. She was visited by an officer on May 11.

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During phone calls to the police, Katie said Osborne had told her that 'if she ever got a boyfriend, he would kill them both'. On May 12, Osborne was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence offences and bailed with conditions not to go back to their home, but went to the street to spy on her over the following days.

He then carried out the brutal murders. Earlier this year, Osborne was handed a whole life order at Leeds Crown Court and was told he will never be released from prison.

It was later discovered he had previously been jailed for attacks on other partners. Following the sentencing, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) carried out an investigation into the way West Yorkshire Police handled the horrific case, Yorkshire Live reports.

The findings of the report have now been revealed, with the watchdog stating that there are 'areas of possible improvement' after its review into the force's investigation into police contact with Katie and Steven before their murders. Head of National Operations at the IOPC, Sunny Bhalla, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Katie and Steven, as well as all those affected by their tragic murders.

"In circumstances like these, where Katie had previously contacted police to make a domestic abuse report, it is important for the circumstances to be investigated and lessons learned where necessary. While we did not identify any individual conduct matters, or potential criminal offences by anyone working for the police, our review did find areas of possible improvement.

"It is our view that this should be considered alongside any other broader learning arising from this tragedy.” A spokesperson for the IOPC added: "Our role in this case was to review West Yorkshire Police’s investigation into the prior police contact with Katie and Steven, and determine whether there was any indication anyone serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.

"We also considered whether the investigation identified opportunities for learning. Areas we raised with the force included making it easier for members of the public to report incidents to the police and improving decision-making procedures around the decision to grant suspects bail in similar cases."

Jordan Harnett, Steven's twin, has spoken out in the wake of the report, which he said may as well be 'empty words'. He said: "We were made aware on Friday regarding their verdict. It comes as no surprise though.

"They found 'no wrongdoing' but have 'shared areas of potential learning' - to me that is a contradictory statement. How can you share ways of improving but also not accept any level of responsibility for what happened?

"I know that the statement made is meant to appease the public and both of the families effected but we know full well they may as well be empty words. It will result in perhaps a 20 minute video of 'spotting the signs' but in reality I can almost guarantee you will be having this conversation with another family in a year or so's time."

Jordan said he hopes the 'next woman who reports a violent partner or ex to the police is taken more seriously'. He said: "I hope when a woman approaches the police concerned for her life, measures are put in the place to protect her. Sadly, I can't see this being the case. Nine women have been failed since 2019.

"A completely unacceptable number and I fear the statement the IOPC have made regarding the murder of my brother and his girlfriend has been read on eight previous occasions and sadly, will be again in the near future."

Refuge, a charity which supports victims of domestic violence responded and told the BBC: "The devastating deaths of Katie and Steven are part of a broader problem - the reoccurring failure of the police to take immediate action upon receiving reports of abuse and violence. These police failings can and do have fatal consequences and will continue to have such consequences until we see a drastic reform of this system."

Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police, said: "The murders of Katie Higton and Steven Harnett were truly appalling crimes and the whole life term given to Marcus Osborne reflects the savagery of his actions. Our thoughts remain with the families of both Katie and Steven.

"We made a referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) the day after the murders and have now received their final decision letter regarding the investigation into our previous contact with Marcus Osborne, Katie Higton, and Steven Harnett. It is a matter of record that Osborne was arrested after Katie reported he’d subjected her to domestic abuse and made threats to kill her.

"To build a file of evidence for consideration by the CPS, Osborne was released on police bail with conditions not to contact Katie directly or indirectly or attend certain addresses. He was also served with a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN).

"While the IOPC did not identify any misconduct by officers for how Osborne was dealt with, we have fully accepted that there are identified opportunities for organisational improvement and learning regarding both safeguarding victims and releasing domestic abuse suspects on bail. Work has been ongoing in force for some time to implement this learning.

"An independent Domestic Homicide Review is ongoing and this will fully explore the background and wider circumstances of this case."

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