Trevor Bartlett: Criminal probe for PC involved in fatal crash

Trevor Bartlett, photographed here with Brian Clough, was a former newspaper photographer

A police officer who was driving a van that struck and killed an 80-year-old man has been advised they are under criminal investigation.

Trevor Bartlett was hit by the police van on the A52 Derby Road in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, on 19 December.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been investigating.

It has established the officer was taking a detainee to a custody facility and was travelling in a bus lane with blue lights and sirens activated.

'Tragic loss'

The IOPC said the police constable was being investigated for the possible offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The officer has also been served with a gross misconduct notice for potential breaches of police standards for professional behaviour.

Derrick Campbell, a regional director for the IOPC, 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."

Mr Bartlett has been described as "sprightly" and "mischievous"

Mr Bartlett, who had been married for 58 years, was a respected former newspaper photographer.

He was especially known for his work with Nottingham Forest and his friendship with the team's former manager Brian Clough.

The IOPC said he was hit by the police van while using a pedestrian crossing close to the Nurseryman pub at about 18:30 GMT.

After the IOPC was notified by Nottinghamshire Police, it sent investigators to the scene and began gathering evidence, including CCTV and dashcam footage.

The IOPC said telematics data from the police van was also being studied and statements had been provided by a number of independent witnesses.

The gross misconduct notice relates to "the actions and decisions of the officer, including any dynamic risk assessment carried out before the collision, and whether that was in line with training, policy and procedure", the IOPC said.

As the officer has not been charged, the IOPC said it could not give their gender or any information that could identify them.