Police Officer Who Killed Pensioner in Midlands Crash Walks Free from Court
Steven Allcock, a 33-year-old police constable with Nottinghamshire Police, has walked free from court after causing the death of 80-year-old Trevor Bartlett in a road collision. The incident occurred on December 19, 2023, on the A52 Derby Road in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, near the Nurseryman pub, where Mr. Bartlett was walking home.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Allcock was driving a police van when he struck Mr. Bartlett, a retired Nottingham Post photographer, at a pedestrian crossing. The court heard that the traffic lights had turned red approximately seven seconds before the collision, with Mr. Bartlett attempting to complete his crossing quickly. The van was traveling between 25 and 28 mph in a bus lane with blue lights and sirens activated at the time of the crash.
Prosecutor Elizabeth Reid stated that Allcock approached the crossing at a speed that did not allow sufficient time to react to Mr. Bartlett's presence. She emphasized that while police officers can legally exceed speed limits and go through red lights in certain circumstances, they must ensure the way is clear. Reid described the death as "tragic and wholly avoidable," noting that Allcock's driving was careless and unjustified.
Mitigating Circumstances and Sentencing
During the hearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court, it was revealed that Allcock was in an "extremely stressful situation" due to a disruptive suspect in the back of the van. The arrested man was banging his head against the cage walls, distracting Allcock while he drove. Body-worn camera footage showed the detainee repeatedly banging his head, with a female officer urging him to stop and calm down.
District Judge Jonathan Taaffe acknowledged the circumstances, stating that Allcock was distracted by the suspect's "random, aggressive and appalling manner." He described the case as "an absolute tragedy for all concerned" and noted that Allcock shows genuine remorse. Allcock, who had only recently trained as a standard response driver, was handed a 12-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work after admitting to causing death by careless driving.
Reactions and Aftermath
Defense lawyer Luke Ponte expressed that Allcock is devastated by causing Mr. Bartlett's death and lives with great sorrow and pain. Ponte highlighted Allcock's commitment to public service, stating that his adult life has been dedicated to helping people. A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson extended condolences to Mr. Bartlett's family and friends, acknowledging the ongoing pain from the tragic incident.
The investigation was led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and Allcock will now face internal disciplinary proceedings. The police force declined to comment further until these proceedings are completed. Elizabeth Reid from the Crown Prosecution Service reiterated that the exemptions for police driving come with an absolute responsibility to protect the public, and Allcock's actions directly led to the loss of an innocent man.
This case underscores the severe consequences of distracted driving, even in high-pressure situations, and has left a community mourning the loss of a respected local figure.
