Simon Gurney secures acquittal of police officer accused of dangerous driving

[intro]Simon Gurney successfully represented a police officer charged with an offence of ‘dangerous driving’.[/intro]

On 11th February 2010, the Officer drove his Ford Focus police vehicle at speeds of up to 93mph on roads in Liverpool city centre (30 mph limit).  He also passed through two sets of traffic lights on red.  At the time of the alleged offence he was transporting a detainee to custody. As he drove along Great Homer Street, approaching St Anne Street Police Station, he lost control of the vehicle and collided with railings.

The officer admitted the lesser offence of ‘careless driving’ in his interview with the Police and pleaded guilty to that offence at the earliest opportunity.

The Prosecution alleged that he had travelled at grossly excessive speed and had put at risk the safety of the general public, in addition to the detainee in the back of his vehicle.

The officer was tried before Mr Justice Calvert-Smith and a jury over the course of three days at Liverpool Crown Court. He was found not guilty of dangerous driving unanimously by the jury.

Simon Gurney was instructed by Richard Black of Russell, Jones and Walker Solicitors (retained by the Police Federation of England and Wales).

In addition to his general criminal practice, Simon is frequently instructed to represent Police Officers during both internal misconduct and criminal proceedings.