An investigation into the death of Caroline Flack and the charges brought against her has now been closed, following the belief that her celebrity status had ‘influenced’ the decision
In 2020, the former Love Island presenter was found dead at her home in east London, having taken her own life(Image: PA)
The investigation into the death of Caroline Flack and the charges brought against her have been concluded. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that the inquiry relating to the actions of officers appealing to the Crown Prosecution Service was closed in January, with the outcome deemed “reasonable and proportionate”.
Caroline was charged with assault by beating in December 2019 after allegedly attacking her then-boyfriend, Lewis Burton. The Crown Prosecution Service initially recommended a caution following the incident.
However, the Metropolitan Police appealed this decision, leading to her being formally charged. Tragically, she took her own life in February 2020. You can read more about Caroline’s sad death,here.
The IOPC reviewed her case after Caroline’s mother suggested that her celebrity status may have influenced the decision to charge her. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
They received a complaint referral from London’s Metropolitan Police, which involved “a number of allegations about the force’s investigation” into the alleged assault in March the previous year.
In a statement shared with the Mirror, a spokesperson for the IOPC said: “We received a complaint referral from the Met Police on 7 March 2024 containing a number of allegations about the force’s investigation into an alleged assault involving Caroline Flack in December 2019.
“We determined the majority of the allegations had already been investigated by the force and later reviewed by the IOPC, so no further action was required.
“On the basis there may be new witness evidence available, we directed the Met to investigate one aspect of the complaint. This related to the actions of officers in appealing an initial decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not to charge Ms Flack.
“Five allegations were returned to the force to resolve in a proportionate manner. Outcomes were provided to the complainant by the Met in June and, in July which found no new evidence that would alter any previous outcomes. The complainant asked the IOPC to review the outcome. Following that review, in January 2025, we found that outcome to be reasonable and proportionate.”
A spokesperson for The Met confirmed that DPS officers conducted further enquiries and examined the fresh evidence in 2024.
The force stated: “It did not change the original outcome that the service provided by officers was acceptable. The family were advised of the outcome in June [2024] and then appealed that outcome to the IOPC.
“The IOPC carried out a review and, in January 2025, found no new evidence that would alter any of the previous outcomes.”
Should any fresh evidence emerge, the IOPC could examine this matter once more.
Caroline Flack photographed leaving Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court where she pleaded not guilty to assaulting boyfriend Lewis Burton in December 2019.(Image: PA)
At the conclusion of the inquest into Flack’s death, coroner Mary Hassell stated that the alleged assault had “played out in the national press” following her arrest, which had an impact on the presenter’s mental health.
Speaking last year, Caroline’s mother, Christine, said that the incident “wasn’t domestic abuse”.
She told Sky News: “This was an accident. But she was portrayed in the court and in the newspapers as a domestic abuser, and that’s what hurts. That’s what I want got rid of – because she wasn’t.”
Christine also believes that her daughter was treated differently due to her fame.
“That’s not on, she shouldn’t be treated better, but she shouldn’t be treated worse,” she said.
The Met had previously referred itself to the IOPC just days after Caroline took her own life.
The DPS found that there had been no misconduct, which saw Flack’s family issue a complaint to the IOPC. In 2023, the office was forced to apologise after not recording its reason for appealing against the caution, but they said it had not identified any forms of misconduct.
Her former boyfriend, Lewis, also stated he didn’t support the prosecution, and after her death, he spoke publicly to criticise this.
Lewis Burton shared this image of himself and Caroline Flack on his Instagram page following her death(Image: Instagram)
On December 12, 2019, Flack was arrested at her home in London, shortly after 5am. Police said they were called to a residential address following a “domestic disturbance”.
She was charged just one day later. At the time of the arrest, a spokesperson for the Met said: “Caroline Flack, 40, of Islington, was charged on Friday, 13 December with assault by beating. She will appear on bail at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 December.
“This follows an incident at approximately 05:25hrs on Thursday, 12 December, after reports of a man being assaulted. He was not seriously injured.”
Where you can get support for your mental health in Wales
Mind Cymru – mental health charity working across Wales to support people in their communities. Call the infoline on 0300 123 33 93 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm for information on mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options, advocacy services. Mind can also be contacted by email: info@mind.org.uk
Beat Cymru – leading eating disorder charity offering support and guidance for people worried about their own or someone else’s health, support available 365 days a year on the Welsh helpline 0808 801 0433 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Community Advice & Listening Line (CALL) – Mental health helpline for people in Wales which offers emotional support and information for anyone concerned about their own mental health or a friend/family member’s mental health. Call 0800 13 27 37 or text ‘help’ to 81066
Samaritans – For confidential support, Samaritans can be contacted around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123
All information correct at time of publication.
