Solving Sylwia mystery cost the police £125,000
A FREEDOM of Information request has revealed that Staffordshire Police spent £125,000 during investigations into the murder of Sylwia Ciapcinska, whose body was found in a suitcase.
The astonishing figure came to light following questions posed by the Mail to the force about several aspects of its work which saw Tomasz Sobcazk jailed for a minimum of 20 years after being found guilty of murdering the 24-year-old teacher last year.
The additional costs were attributed to paying for officers overtime while they searched the site under the Stapenhill Viaduct where her body was discovered.
The money was also used for investigating the murder, to pay for interpreters for Polish witnesses, forensic costs and additional spending such as accommodation and travel.
The figure was further broadened out to show that £91,000 was spent on bringing in or using other services from outside agencies such as expert witnesses.
Chief Inspector Steve Maskrey, who is in charge of policing in Burton, said: “Staffordshire Police’s investigation into the tragic death of Sylwia Ciapcinska (pictured) was both complex and unusual.
“Tomasz Sobczak was charged with Sylwia’s murder two weeks after she was reported missing.
“However, Sobczak refused to admit the crime or disclose where Sylwia’s body was. Following extensive inquiries, Sylwia’s body was found six weeks later.
“Detectives from our major investigation department painstakingly gathered evidence against Sobczak, who did not co-operate throughout.
“This included detailed forensic work, including computer and mobile phone examination, and the use of expert witnesses during the trial.
“We were determined to bring Sylwia’s killer to justice for the sake of her family and for the wider Burton community.
“Officers travelled to Poland to liaise with police there and take statements from Sylwia’s family and friends.
“Specially trained family liaison officers also offered continual support to Sylwia’s parents, who didn’t speak English.
“As a result of the compelling evidence against him, Sobczak was convicted of murder and jailed for life — to serve a minimum of 20 years.”
Due to significant cost implications, Staffordshire Police were unable to provide exact details on how many staff worked on the case or how many policing hours were spent in total.
