The second officer in a separate car also responding to the 999 call convicted of careless driving. Jocelyn Ledward leading Nadesh Karu for the Prosecution.
PCs Patel and Thomson drove in excess of 70MPH on Stockwell Road (a 30MPH road) when responding to a 999 call in marked police vehicles. A pedestrian stepped out in the street and whilst PC Thomson’s car passed her, she was fatally struck by PC Patel’s car. PC Patel pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment by the Recorder of London. PC Thomson contested the case and after a week long trial at the Central Criminal Court, was found guilty by the jury of careless driving unanimously.
In passing sentence on PC Thomson the Recorder of London invited the Metropolitan Police to consider issuing guidance in respect of the speed Police drive at on 30mph roads and residential roads.
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Jocelyn Ledward KC
Nadesh Karu