Police officer who hit newspaper photographer, 80, who chronicled Nottingham Forest’s glory years admits death by careless driving

Published: 16:55, 29 January 2026 | Updated: 17:53, 29 January 2026

A police officer who killed a retired newspaper photographer when he drove through a red light has admitted causing death by careless driving.

Steven Allcock, 33, a police constable with Nottinghamshire Police, was driving a force van when he hit Trever Bartlett, 80, as he crossed the road.

Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court heard Allcock was taking a prisoner into custody when he was 'momentarily distracted' by the prisoner 'kicking off'.

He struck Mr Bartlett as he crossed the A52 Derby Road in Beeston, Notts A52 on December 19 2023.

Mr Bartlett worked for the Nottingham [2] Post and was particularly well known among Nottingham Forest fans for his photos during the Brian Clough era.

He was one of the few photographers who had a close relationship with the manager.

Former colleagues described him as a 'dazzlingly brilliant' photographer and 'the kindest, most generous bloke' following his death.

Trevor Bartlett, who used to work for the Nottingham Post newspaper, was especially known for his work with Nottingham Forest and his friendship with former manager Brian Clough

Police Constable Steven Allcock, 33, pictured at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court

Allock, of Nottinghamshire police, admitted causing his death by careless driving on Thursday

Allcock was charged after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Mr Bartlett had been on the crossing for about seven seconds while the traffic light was red when the crash happened.

The IOPC previously said it found that the police van was taking a detainee to a custody facility and was travelling in a bus lane with blue lights and sirens on at the time.

Allcock, who stood in front of the dock wearing a navy suit and blue tie, was a trained response driver, meaning he legally can exceed the speed limit and drive through red lights in some circumstances.

He was travelling between 25 and 28mph when he struck Mr Bartlett, the court heard.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Reid said: 'When approaching a red light, they must treat it as a stop or give way and ensure the road is clear and have sufficient space to stop if it's not clear.

'The officer was entitled to drive through a red light but he was driving at an inappropriate speed and did not make sure the way was clear.'

Allcock pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on Thursday.

District Judge Jonathan 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.'

District Judge Taaffe adjourned sentencing until February 12 so Mr Bartlett's family could attend.

He 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.

'In the meantime, you will have unconditional bail and I am imposing an interim driving disqualification.'

References

^ CLAIRE DUFFIN, SENIOR REPORTER (www.dailymail.co.uk)
^ Nottingham (www.dailymail.co.uk)