Policeman in fatal collision on 999 call cleared of gross misconduct

A POLICE officer who struck a pedestrian while driving at speed during a 999 call has been found to have breached professional standards, but has been cleared of gross misconduct.

Pensioner David Ormesher suffered multiple injuries in the late-night collision in Brighton in

August 2017 and was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Pc Richard Harris was subject to a disciplinary hearing at the offices of the Sussex police and crime commissioner in Lewes, which heard he drove at “excessively fast” speeds of up to 70mph in his marked police car in a builtup area of the city before striking the 79-year-old.

His Ford Mondeo was travelling at 53mph to 55mph when it hit Mr Ormesher, the hearing was told.

A Sussex Police spokesman said that Pc Harris’ actions amounted to misconduct, but not gross misconduct, which might have led to his dismissal from the force.

Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Dando said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Ormesher’s family and friends who have had to wait nearly three years for this matter to be resolved, and I would reiterate our profound and deepest sympathies for this tragic incident.”

Matt Webb, chairman of Sussex Police Federation, said that Pc Harris had been treated “appallingly” by the investigation and more support should be given to police officers.

He said: “The stated outcome at this hearing means our colleague Pc Harris can now finally get on with his career, having been investigated over this incident for the past three years. It’s no exaggeration to say that this ordeal has had a significant impact on him.”