Police officer admits killing Nottingham Post photographer Trevor Bartlett as he crossed road
A Nottinghamshire Police officer has admitted killing legendary Nottingham Post photographer Trevor Bartlett [1] who died when he was hit by a force van on the A52.
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court heard how Police[2] Constable Steven Allcock was driving with a prisoner in the back who was "kicking off" which momentarily distracted him and he struck the 80-year-old victim as he crossed the A52 in Beeston. Advertisement Advertisement
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He was travelling at what forensic collision investigators estimate to be between 25mph and 28mph, and that Mr Bartlett had been crossing close to the Nurseryman pub for around seven seconds.
Adjourning sentence until February 12, District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said: "I initially wanted to conclude the case with sentence today but one thing I had not noted down was to check whether or not the relatives of the deceased wanted to come to court.
"And it is likely given the nature of the circumstances they might want to be and that is not an unreasonable thing so I am going to adjourn your case and deal with you to its conclusion on February 12. Advertisement
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"In the meantime, you will have unconditional bail and I am imposing an interim driving disqualification."
Nottingham Forest's John Robertson lifts the European Cup in 1979 -Credit:Nottingham Post/Trevor Bartlett
The police van PC Allcock was driving was involved in the fatal collision in Derby Road on December 19, 2023.
Judge Taaffe said: "What I have here is a man of good character, a serving police officer, who was on operational duties driving a police van, inside which someone is kicking off in the back of the van.
"There then appears to be some momentary distraction and Mr Bartlett was unfortunately killed.
"It is not a case where somebody is driving dangerously or that the speed was inappropriate when approaching the crossing."
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Liz Reid, prosecuting, said the defendant is a trained response driver meaning he can legally exceed the speed limit and drive through red lights in some circumstances.
As such he must "treat it as a stop or give way to ensure the road is clear".
Peter Shilton kisses the European Cup -Credit:Trevor Bartlett/Nottingham Post
She said: "The speed estimated by the forensic collision examiners at the time of the collision was 25mph to 28mph, the light was red and Mr Bartlett had been crossing for seven seconds."
Allcock, of Toton, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and both the prosecution and defence solicitors asked for the matter to be sent to the higher court. Advertisement Advertisement
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However, Judge Taafe felt his sentencing powers were sufficient and so the sentencing will take place at the same court next month.
Dressed in a suit, shirt, and tie, the officer was supported by several people at the hearing.
Mr Bartlett worked for this publication as a photographer and was particularly well known among Nottingham Forest fans for his photos during the Brian Clough[3] era.
He was one of the few photographers who had a close relationship with the legendary manager.
His favourite photo was of a permed Peter Shilton kissing the coveted trophy after the Reds had conquered Europe.
You can see some of his most famous images in this story. [4] Advertisement
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Tributes poured in following his death more than two years ago.
"He was a familiar face whenever I was at a Forest game and came from the 'old school' of newspaper men," says former journalist Wendy Dickinson, the daughter of Peter Taylor, Brian Clough's right-hand man.
"He took some iconic photographs that will certainly live forever in the minds of Forest fans.
I recall one in particular of Peter Shilton kissing the European Cup. It was amazing and a real tribute to his skill."
The Independent Office for Police [5] Conduct (IOPC) previously referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service [6], which, after examining the evidence, authorised the charge against PC Allcock. Advertisement
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The IOPC has also concluded there is a case for gross misconduct, which Nottinghamshire Police has agreed to.
A disciplinary hearing will be arranged at a later date.
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: "As this investigation is being run by the IOPC, It would be inappropriate for us to comment at this stage."
It is currently not known whether PC Allcock is still a serving officer in the force.
IOPC director Emily Barry said: "Our sympathies are with Mr Bartlett's family and everyone affected by his death in such tragic circumstances.
"While the investigation we carried out identified some mitigating factors for PC Allcock, including the behaviour of a detainee self-harming in the back of the police van, it was our view that he could and should have reasonably foreseen the risk of harm to members of the public when approaching a red traffic light and amended his driving style to mitigate this risk.
"The officer's actions have now resulted in his conviction, following his admission in court today.
We also found PC Allcock had a case to answer for gross misconduct in relation to his driving prior to the collision and after his sentencing we will progress that with Nottinghamshire Police."
References
- ^ legendary Nottingham Post photographer Trevor Bartlett (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Police (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Brian Clough (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ You can see some of his most famous images in this story. (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Police (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Crown Prosecution Service (www.nottinghampost.com)