19/05/2005
Anger over clearing of speeding cop
Road safety campaigners have criticised a judge’s decision to clear a policeman who drive his car at nearly 160mph of dangerous driving and speeding.
Police Constable Mark Milton from West Mercia Police was recorded driving at 159mph by a video camera in his patrol car last December.
PC Milton told the court that he was testing the new unmarked vehicle and was cleared of dangerous driving and speeding charges by Judge Bruce Morgan.
Judge Morgan said that police drivers had to practise their skills and had to do so on public roads. However, he said that West Mercia Police had a “total lack of policy” regarding when and where police drivers should practise their skills.
The decision has angered the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, who said that driving at speeds over 100mph was too dangerous, even in emergencies.
The RAC also expressed concern at the decision, claiming that motorists could view the verdict as making one rule for the police and another for everyone else.
However, the Police Federation welcomed the decision and said that if the public wanted police to respond quickly to major incidents, then officers had to be able to drive at those speeds.
West Mercia Police have confirmed that they will be clarifying their guidance for advanced drivers like PC Milton. A spokesperson also said that any occasion that the speed limit was exceeded must be “justifiable”.
(KMcA/SP)
Police Constable Mark Milton from West Mercia Police was recorded driving at 159mph by a video camera in his patrol car last December.
PC Milton told the court that he was testing the new unmarked vehicle and was cleared of dangerous driving and speeding charges by Judge Bruce Morgan.
Judge Morgan said that police drivers had to practise their skills and had to do so on public roads. However, he said that West Mercia Police had a “total lack of policy” regarding when and where police drivers should practise their skills.
The decision has angered the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, who said that driving at speeds over 100mph was too dangerous, even in emergencies.
The RAC also expressed concern at the decision, claiming that motorists could view the verdict as making one rule for the police and another for everyone else.
However, the Police Federation welcomed the decision and said that if the public wanted police to respond quickly to major incidents, then officers had to be able to drive at those speeds.
West Mercia Police have confirmed that they will be clarifying their guidance for advanced drivers like PC Milton. A spokesperson also said that any occasion that the speed limit was exceeded must be “justifiable”.
(KMcA/SP)
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25 August 2006
159mph PC found guilty of dangerous driving
A police officer who drove an unmarked patrol car at 159mph has been found guilty of dangerous driving. However, Pc Mark Milton, who was acquitted of speeding and dangerous driving during a trial last year, was granted an absolute discharge. The High Court had overturned the acquittal and ordered a retrial.
159mph PC found guilty of dangerous driving
A police officer who drove an unmarked patrol car at 159mph has been found guilty of dangerous driving. However, Pc Mark Milton, who was acquitted of speeding and dangerous driving during a trial last year, was granted an absolute discharge. The High Court had overturned the acquittal and ordered a retrial.
16 March 2015
Onlookers Described As 'Appalling' For Encouraging Man To Jump From Building
West Mercia Police have condemned onlookers that encouraged a man to jump from a building in Telford, Shropshire. Police were called to reports of a man standing on the roof of a building at around 13:10 on Saturday.
Onlookers Described As 'Appalling' For Encouraging Man To Jump From Building
West Mercia Police have condemned onlookers that encouraged a man to jump from a building in Telford, Shropshire. Police were called to reports of a man standing on the roof of a building at around 13:10 on Saturday.
05 January 2015
Three Arrested After Woman's Body Found On School Grounds
Three people have been arrested after a woman's body was discovered in the grounds of a school in Shrewsbury. The body was found on Sunday night in the grounds of Harlescott Junior School. Two men and a woman are being questioned on suspicion of murder. West Mercia Police are currently carrying out forensic examinations at the school.
Three Arrested After Woman's Body Found On School Grounds
Three people have been arrested after a woman's body was discovered in the grounds of a school in Shrewsbury. The body was found on Sunday night in the grounds of Harlescott Junior School. Two men and a woman are being questioned on suspicion of murder. West Mercia Police are currently carrying out forensic examinations at the school.
26 June 2013
Racist Attack On Redditch Mosque
West Mercia Police are investigating a break-in at a mosque in Redditch this morning (26 June), during which, racist graffiti was painted on the building. The damage at the mosque on Jinnah Road was caused some time between 2am and shortly before 4.30am when it was discovered by a targeted police patrol.
Racist Attack On Redditch Mosque
West Mercia Police are investigating a break-in at a mosque in Redditch this morning (26 June), during which, racist graffiti was painted on the building. The damage at the mosque on Jinnah Road was caused some time between 2am and shortly before 4.30am when it was discovered by a targeted police patrol.
30 May 2013
Man Arrested Over Murder Of Missing Teenager
Police have said a man arrested over the disappearance of a teenager in Shropshire is now being questioned on suspicion of her murder. Georgia Williams, 17, was last seen leaving her home on Sunday. On Wednesday, a 22-year-old man from Telford was arrested in Glasgow on suspicion of kidnapping Ms Williams.
Man Arrested Over Murder Of Missing Teenager
Police have said a man arrested over the disappearance of a teenager in Shropshire is now being questioned on suspicion of her murder. Georgia Williams, 17, was last seen leaving her home on Sunday. On Wednesday, a 22-year-old man from Telford was arrested in Glasgow on suspicion of kidnapping Ms Williams.
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