Police officer could face criminal charges after pensioner killed in crash

The police watchdog has found that an officer may have committed a criminal offence after a pensioner died when a police van collided into him while he was crossing the road.

Trevor Bartlett, 80, who was a retired newspaper photographer, died after the collision which happened while he was using a pedestrian crossing on the A52 Derby Road in Beeston, Nottingham, on December 19 2023.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it found that the police vehicle was taking a detainee to a custody facility and was travelling in a bus lane with blue lights and sirens on at the time.

The driver, a Nottinghamshire Police constable, was interviewed by the IOPC under criminal caution for the potential offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Trevor Bartlett, 80, was a retired newspaper photographer. Credit: BPM Media

The IOPC said it has referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider criminal charges.

The officer was served with a notice of investigation for gross misconduct and the watchdog said a disciplinary hearing will be arranged by the police force.

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: "Following thorough and careful analysis of all the evidence, we have decided there is an indication an officer may have committed a criminal offence in relation to the manner of their driving and a file has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"I am satisfied we have gathered all the available evidence and it is now for the CPS to consider whether to bring criminal charges.

"We will continue to keep Trevor Bartlett's family updated and our thoughts remain with them and all those affected by his death."

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