Menu
22/06/2016
Officer Disciplined Over 'Oppressive' Way He Dealt With Female Driver
A police officer has been disciplined after he was found that he had been oppressive in the way in the way he dealt with a woman he considered to have been driving dangerously, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded.
The officer was off-duty when he followed the woman for about 20 miles in Co Down last October, and later called at her home to advise of his concerns that she had been driving too close to a car in front of her.
By then the driver had gone on honeymoon, and she returned to find a note from the officer asking her to contact him about "a driving matter".
She phoned the officer who explained his concerns, but told her not to worry as she would not be arrested. He made arrangements to visit her home several days later, told her to have her driving licence and said it would take an hour.
In a complaint to the Police Ombudsman's Office, the woman said the call caused her considerable concern as she relied on her car for her job.
When the officer arrived at her home, he told her that her driving had been perhaps the worst he had ever seen. He told her that the least action he could take was a "discretionary disposal", which would not go on her record or result in points on her licence.
The woman said she asked to be allowed time to seek legal advice before accepting, but said this was refused. She said the officer told her that he would be busy over the next few days and could not allow the matter to drag on, and offered to leave her alone for five minutes to think about it.
In her complaint, the woman said: "How was I supposed to seek legal advice in five minutes?"
When interviewed by a Police Ombudsman investigator, the officer accepted that although he considered the woman to have been driving dangerously and feared she would cause a collision, he had not considered reporting the incident so that immediate action could be taken by police.
He added that he had agreed with his supervisor that the woman should be offered a discretionary disposal, though when spoken to the supervisor had no recollection of this.
He also denied having offered the woman only a few minutes to consider whether to accept the discretionary disposal, although the woman's account was supported by a relative who had also been present.
(CD)
The officer was off-duty when he followed the woman for about 20 miles in Co Down last October, and later called at her home to advise of his concerns that she had been driving too close to a car in front of her.
By then the driver had gone on honeymoon, and she returned to find a note from the officer asking her to contact him about "a driving matter".
She phoned the officer who explained his concerns, but told her not to worry as she would not be arrested. He made arrangements to visit her home several days later, told her to have her driving licence and said it would take an hour.
In a complaint to the Police Ombudsman's Office, the woman said the call caused her considerable concern as she relied on her car for her job.
When the officer arrived at her home, he told her that her driving had been perhaps the worst he had ever seen. He told her that the least action he could take was a "discretionary disposal", which would not go on her record or result in points on her licence.
The woman said she asked to be allowed time to seek legal advice before accepting, but said this was refused. She said the officer told her that he would be busy over the next few days and could not allow the matter to drag on, and offered to leave her alone for five minutes to think about it.
In her complaint, the woman said: "How was I supposed to seek legal advice in five minutes?"
When interviewed by a Police Ombudsman investigator, the officer accepted that although he considered the woman to have been driving dangerously and feared she would cause a collision, he had not considered reporting the incident so that immediate action could be taken by police.
He added that he had agreed with his supervisor that the woman should be offered a discretionary disposal, though when spoken to the supervisor had no recollection of this.
He also denied having offered the woman only a few minutes to consider whether to accept the discretionary disposal, although the woman's account was supported by a relative who had also been present.
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 November 2015
Woman Found Unconscious On Co Down Road
A woman has been found unconscious on a road in County Down. The woman, aged in her 50s, was discovered on the Sheepland Road at around 4.30am on Sunday. She was taken to hospital where she is believed to be in a serious condition.
Woman Found Unconscious On Co Down Road
A woman has been found unconscious on a road in County Down. The woman, aged in her 50s, was discovered on the Sheepland Road at around 4.30am on Sunday. She was taken to hospital where she is believed to be in a serious condition.
25 April 2014
Prison Officer Released On Bail Over Drugs Offences
A prison officer has been released on bail after being arrested over drugs offences. The woman, reported to be 50-years-old, was arrested on suspicion of possessing and supplying Class A and B drugs at Maghaberry Prison. According to reports, it is understood she was detained on Monday, and released pending further enquiries.
Prison Officer Released On Bail Over Drugs Offences
A prison officer has been released on bail after being arrested over drugs offences. The woman, reported to be 50-years-old, was arrested on suspicion of possessing and supplying Class A and B drugs at Maghaberry Prison. According to reports, it is understood she was detained on Monday, and released pending further enquiries.
09 February 2016
Police Officer Disciplined For Slapping Woman In The Face
A police officer has been disciplined for slapping a woman across the face in the back of a police Land Rover, an investigation by the Police Ombudsman has concluded. The incident happened in Dunmurry in August 2013 after the woman was arrested for assaulting police.
Police Officer Disciplined For Slapping Woman In The Face
A police officer has been disciplined for slapping a woman across the face in the back of a police Land Rover, an investigation by the Police Ombudsman has concluded. The incident happened in Dunmurry in August 2013 after the woman was arrested for assaulting police.
03 November 2017
Officer Disciplined After Driver Escapes Punishment In Crash
A police officer has been disciplined after a driver escaped punishment for knocking down a pedestrian. The incident happened in L'Derry in December 2015.
Officer Disciplined After Driver Escapes Punishment In Crash
A police officer has been disciplined after a driver escaped punishment for knocking down a pedestrian. The incident happened in L'Derry in December 2015.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
