IPSWICH: An alleged rape victim says she is waiting for a second apology from Suffolk Constabulary following an independent report into the way her case was handled.

Anita Grinham, 37, said she was made to feel like a liar when she told police she had been raped on a night out in Ipswich in 2008.

She complained to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and was informed in May 2010 that Suffolk Constabulary’s professional standards department would review the handling of the investigation.

That investigation revealed a series of failings – forensic opportunities were missed, witnesses were not interviewed correctly, searches of the suspect’s home and car were not carried out and the officer in charge of the case had no specific training in handling investigations of sexual offences.

Not satisfied with the force’s internal investigation, Ms Grinham reported her concerns to the IPCC and her appeal has been upheld.

The mum-of-four, pictured above right, said: “Suffolk police are supposed to apologise to me within 28 days. That should have happened but I am still waiting. I am pleased at the IPCC’s decision but I am angry I have had to fight so hard. I still have no closure, I am left with knowing I have been raped and no one will ever be brought to justice. I don’t think the police will forget me. They may think I have made such a fuss but I am the type of person who stands up for what I believe in, for what matters.”

Reviewing Suffolk police’s internal report the IPCC uncovered a number of additional issues.

While the force’s professional standards department highlighted the investigating officer’s lack of specific training in handling investigations into sexual offences, the IPCC criticised the force for not holding the officer in question’s supervisors to account.

The report also recommends all the officers involved are debriefed about the failings raised.

Chief inspector Warner from the professional standards department added: “The constabulary recognises that the service provided to Ms Grinham was not up to the requisite standard, and we would like to repeat our apology to her accordingly.”

n Have you faced a similar ordeal? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk