Media Release County Court Judgement - Implications for ALL Emergency Services
The County Court judgement that Constable William Purse was "100% at fault" for the crash in which Rachel Cheesewright tragically died on 22nd October 2005 flies in the face of all previous detailed examinations of the facts and has implications for all emergency services not just the police.
Ian Pointon (Chairman of Kent Police Federation) says,
"On the night in question, Constable Purse, an advanced police driver, was responding to an emergency call in a vehicle equipped to do so. In reality, Miss Cheesewright pulled from a side road onto the main A28 into the path of a police vehicle displaying headlights and blue lights. It was dark and these would have been clearly visible. Consequently, with nearly 24 years of policing experience I find it difficult to comprehend how Constable Purse is wholly liable."
He continues,
"The Independent Police Complaints Commission, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Inquest have all concluded this was a tragic accident and that Constable Purse was not at fault. I am perplexed that the County Court has produced a judgement so at odds with these others."
He adds,
"This judgement, contrary to comments made by the Cheesewright family's solicitor, Ms Harman, has implications for ALL the emergency services and not just the police. When members of the public call for urgent assistance, whether that is fire, ambulance or police, they expect a speedy response; if you're having a heart attack you want the ambulance there quickly. I sincerely hope this judgement won't result in emergency vehicles keeping to the speed limits lest someone pulls out in front of them."
He concludes,
"I fully understand the desire to find someone to blame and my thoughts are with both the Cheesewright family and the officers involved in this tragic accident."
MEDIA RELEASE ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Kent Police Federation represents Constables, Sergeants, Inspectors and Chief Inspectors.
Ian Pointon can be contacted on 01622 652250
|
