PC admits causing death of former photographer

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

Trevor Bartlett, 80, died after being struck by the van at a pedestrian crossing on the A52 Derby Road in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, on 19 December 2023.

Steven Allcock, 33, a Nottinghamshire Police constable, was charged after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Allcock, of Toton in Nottinghamshire, appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Thursday, when he pleaded guilty.

The court heard the police van Allcock was driving, which had a prisoner "kicking off" in the back, was travelling between 25mph (40km/h) and 28mph (45km/h) when it struck Bartlett.

Bartlett, a retired Nottingham Post photographer, had been on the crossing for about seven seconds, while the traffic light was red, when he was hit.

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, 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."

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.

District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said Allcock "was trying to do the public good" and "is a man of good character".

The judge added: "I will say this - that there are no winners in this situation. I have the unfortunate family of Mr Bartlett, and Mr Bartlett who has lost his life through no fault of his own.

"Clearly, there have to be consequences for the act that caused that to happen."

The judge adjourned Allcock's sentencing until 12 February and granted him unconditional bail. The defendant was handed an interim driving ban.

Following Allcock's guilty plea, IOPC director Emily Barry said the constable should have "reasonably foreseen" the risk of harm to members of the public when approaching a red traffic light and amended his driving style.

"The officer's actions have now resulted in his conviction, following his admission in court today.

"We also found PC Allcock had a case to answer for gross misconduct in relation to his driving prior to the collision and after his sentencing we will progress that with Nottinghamshire Police," Barry added.

The IOPC director also passed on her sympathies to Bartlett's family and those affected by his death.

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

Following his death, former colleagues described him as a "dazzlingly brilliant" photographer and "the kindest, most generous bloke".

Former colleague Jeremy Lewis, who had known Bartlett since 1981, said he was the "most wonderful colleague".

"He'd do royalty, football stars, showbiz stars. He'd do little old lady on a corner plot in St Ann's and he had the gift of getting on with everybody and coming back with magical prints," Lewis added.

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