Suspended policeman was rail tragedy victim
40-year-old father of three died on Monday
A former Callander police officer at the centre of a misconduct probe tragically died this week after he was hit by a train at Stirling.
Martin Mooney, who was based in Stirling, was focus of claims he branded road police “traffic Nazis”.
The 40-year-old father-of-three – who had been suspended by his bosses last week over a separate matter – was fatally injured shortly after 10am just a few hundred yards down the line from the Cornton level crossing.
British Transport Police said the incident was not being treated as suspicious and a report would be prepared for the procurator fiscal.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs commented: “We can confirm a serving police officer has passed away following an incident in the vicinity of Stirling train station on Monday, 29 October, 2019.
“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and his colleagues at this tragic time and we will continue to support their welfare.
“The officer was suspended on Friday, 25 October, 2019, in connection with allegations of accessing police systems for a nonpolicing purpose.
“The decision to suspend an officer is only taken after careful consideration and with a focus on public protection. In these cases officers are provided with guidance and advice to access round-theclock support. We will continue to assist British Transport Police in its investigation into the officer’s death.”
The 40-year-old father of three had been on desk duties following the investigation, dating back to May, 2018, over an incident that occurred in the Callander area.
Martin and a colleague had been asked to stop calling their colleagues “traffic Nazis” when, at a take-away, a swastika was drawn on a napkin and handed to one of them, who reported it.
A police source said: “The first misconduct probe into Martin and a colleague was just silly. It was just banter between them and someone took offence and complained, so Martin and his colleague were put on restricted duties. Martin found this very difficult as he was always a very active, dedicated police officer.”
The source added: “On Friday last week, he was suspended out of the blue. It’s not connected to the misconduct hearing and nobody knows why. The whole situation is tragic.”
A friend of Martin said: “We are all stunned beyond belief. He seemed one of the strongest people I know. He had a lovely family with his three boys and was still really close to his former wife, who he has two boys with, and his partner, Faye, who he has a twoyear-old son with.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Police Federation tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Martin Mooney, who tragically passed away on Monday. May he rest in peace.”