Officer faces criminal probe after photographer, 80, who chronicled Nottingham Forest’s glory years was run over and killed by police van on pedestrian crossing

• Trevor Bartlett, 80, died on the A52 in Nottingham on December 19 last year

By Chris Matthews[1]

Published: 17:24, 10 January 2024 | Updated: 17:24, 10 January 2024

A police officer is under criminal investigation after an 80-year-old former newspaper photographer was killed when he was hit by a police van on a pedestrian crossing.

Trevor Bartlett, had worked for the Nottingham[2] Post newspaper since the age of 15 and died in the crash on the A52 in Nottingham on December 19 last year.

Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said the police constable who was driving the van is under investigation for possible driving offences.

These are causing death by dangerous driving or causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The officer is also being investigated for potential gross misconduct.

Trevor Bartlett (pictured), who had worked for the Nottingham Post newspaper since the age of 15, died in the crash on the A52 in Nottingham on December 19 last year

Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough (centre) finishes off a slice of birthday cake on the team bus ahead of a game against Arsenal at Highbury in March 1991, watched by Ron Fenton (left) and Alan Hill

This relates to their actions and decisions, including any risk assessment made before the crash.

The van, carrying a prisoner to custody, was driving in a bus lane with blue lights and sirens turned on at the time.

IOPC regional director for the West Midlands Derrick Campbell said: 'We have been in contact with Mr Bartlett's family to express our sympathy for their tragic loss, and to explain how our investigation will be conducted.

'Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and we will also determine whether disciplinary proceedings should follow.'

Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Peter Shilton kisses the trophy after Forest beat Hamburg to win the 1980 European Cup at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, on May 28, 1980

Mr Bartlett began working at the Nottingham Evening Post as a 15-year-old copy boy, leaving school on a Friday and starting at the paper on the Monday. He went on to become the youngest press photographer in the Midlands at the age of 17.

He worked at the paper for 45 years picturing thousands of locals, royalty, politicians, pop stars and sports stars - becoming firm friends with former Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough. He retired at the age of 62.

Mr Bartlett had been to his local pub, the Nurseryman and was on his way home for dinner when the accident happened.

When he didn't return home at the usual time, his wife of 58 years, Sandra, thought he'd been delayed chatting to a friend.

She texted and rang his mobile but there was no answer.

Nottingham[3]

References

1. ^ Chris Matthews (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ Nottingham (www.dailymail.co.uk)
3. ^ Nottingham (www.dailymail.co.uk)