Special Constable on phone when she collided with biker David Bartholomew

David Bartholomew David Bartholomew

A DORSET Police Special Constable involved in a fatal road crash was on her mobile phone at the time, an inquest heard.

Collette Carpenter was involved in a conversation with her partner when her Peugeot 206 collided with motorcyclist David Bartholomew, who died from horrific injuries later that day, district coroner Sheriff Payne was told.

The Bournemouth inquest was told that Miss Carpenter, formerly of Colehill, initially denied using her phone during the journey when interviewed by police.

She later told officers she had briefly taken an incoming call before eventually admitting she had been in conversation for the entire journey with the mobile phone on loud speaker on her lap, the coroner was told.

The inquest heard details of the case were submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service who made a decision not to prosecute Miss Carpenter following the collision, which took place on the A31 Ferndown bypass on March 20 last year.

The inquest also heard Miss Carpenter had dished out six fixed penalties to drivers for using mobile phones during her time as a Special Constable.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Payne described her account of the incoming call as “total rubbish” and added: “She came up with misleading accounts of what happened.”

Miss Carpenter told him: “In the time of the first interview I just panicked and said what I said which I know is not the truth.

“I don’t know why I didn’t say about the phone. I was in shock, maybe I didn’t think it was relevant at the time. I was not distracted.”

But accident investigator PC John Hayward said: “The use of her mobile phone can only have been a distraction and has very likely contributed to her not seeing the motorcyclist.”

Mr Bartholomew was overtaking a number of vehicles and Miss Carpenter was emerging from the Uddens Drive junction on the A31 at 7.15am when the collision took place.

She said she did not see 54-year-old Mr Bartholomew until the collision.

The inquest heard Mr Bartholomew, a father-of-two from Bere Regis, died of a severe brain injury and multiple traumatic fractures due to a motorcycle collision.

His partner, Lindsey Witcombe, said: “He was a highly intelligent and talented man.  He had two children, James and Charlotte, and the death of their father has been devastating.  His life was his children and they were absolutely his number one priority.”

DAVID Bartholomew’s partner and children described their disappointment with the verdict of accidental death after the inquest.

Lindsey Witcombe, his partner of 12 years, said: “She was on a mobile phone and is a Special Constable who has issued tickets for that.

“He wasn’t speeding – he wasn’t doing anything.  I was hoping for justice for him.”

David’s daughter, Charlotte, added: “We are all disappointed and feel very let down.  She is someone who should have known better and I feel that she has taken no responsibility for what has happened.”

His son, James, added: “She has admitted to changing her story and has shown disrespect to us.”

Tweets from court

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Comments(89)

Cherry19 says...
2:46pm Tue 12 Feb 13

First of all, condolences to David's family ... and perhaps the Echo is not reporting the whole transcript fully, but this story makes it sound as though the driver tried to blame the biker by suggesting he was filtering ... a perfectly acceptable maneouvre when safe, but what is not safe is someone who is a Special Constable who told one story, then another, who it would appear was not on a hands-free, but had the phone in her lap ... we shall never know, but distraction tapping buttons to speak and a man loses his life ... terrible ... surely someone in her position should never have picked up that phone full stop ... how many times are people told not to use phones ... is she being prosecuted for changing her story, or for not using a hands-free, seems not.

speedy231278 says...
3:05pm Tue 12 Feb 13

So, the car driver cannot make up her mind if she was on the phone or not, has changed her story and got a mate to claim she always uses a hands-free kit, yet her story says the phone was on her lap. Never mind, the trump card is being a Special Constable. So not only will she not stand any risk of being prosecuted for dangerous driving, there's no chance of charges for changing her story either! Lovely.

RIP David, and condolences to the family. I think there's a good chance there's more to the incident that will ever be allowed to be known.

speedy231278 says...
3:10pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Also, the hazard lines mentioned are not solid, meaning that the area of road marked by them may be entered if it is clear, unlike solid ones which are an exclusion zone.

Boquetekmh says...
3:30pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Biker v Special Constable - likelihood that justice was ever going to be served? Surely doubt comes from the changing of the story at the very least.......This family has suffered enough, why does it so often seem that the victim suffers so much more than the perpetrator?

Scoty2hotty says...
3:45pm Tue 12 Feb 13

So much for Dorset Police's "No Excuses" campaign... I received three points for having my phone on my lap whilst on loud speaker so it must be an offence!!

RIP David..

muscliffman says...
3:56pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Mobile was on the driver's lap, of course it was.

But still an offence anyway - I understand.

retry69 says...
4:01pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Almost speechless!! Thoughts are with the family and friends of David

paulthefish says...
4:03pm Tue 12 Feb 13

british justice strikes again. that poor man and his family. if you are a rozzer you are immune from any type of guilt no matter what the cicumstances. what a joke of a country we live in!!

Yankee1 says...
4:09pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Does this finding prevent the family from suing her in a civil lawsuit?

Go for it if you can. The bar for civil cases is much lower than criminal cases.

rayc says...
4:17pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Scoty2hotty wrote:
So much for Dorset Police's "No Excuses" campaign... I received three points for having my phone on my lap whilst on loud speaker so it must be an offence!!

RIP David..
I've always believed that most of the people involved in the enforcement of the No Excuse campaign do the very things that they prosecute drivers for, whether it be Police Officers, magistrates, speed camera operatives, Driver Awareness Course instructors, council officials and Councillors.

speedy231278 says...
4:20pm Tue 12 Feb 13

The verdict smells fishier than the contents of Baldrick's apple crumble.

If the common man (or woman) had been driving and David the policeman, they'd have been convicted of everything under the sun!

Utterly shocking.

Gordon Clifton says...
4:22pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Having sat through the inquest this morning I doubt very much that the car driver is protected by her Special Constable status. Instead, I suspect she is a profound embarrassment to the police service having brought it into disrepute.

As for a prosecution, the CPS decision probably reflects the lack of hard evidence to prove that the car driver was actually using the phone rather than it simply being connected but not in use at the critical time. It's a pity that service providers seem able to prove only that a phone is connected and not that it was carrying voice traffic.

Those who attended the inquest and heard the evidence will have reached their own conclusions but, as the coroner said, his responsibility does not include the allocation of blame - that is for the prosecuting authorities and other courts. For now, we have memories of Barty and, in the absence of a prosecution, the hope that where there has been wrongdoing then karma will prevail.

afcb-mark says...
4:43pm Tue 12 Feb 13

No doubt she will soon be back on the streets issuing tickets to people to make more money and perhaps even twisting the truth a bit!! She is not someone to look up to she is a wannabe copper and a liar. She is also a disgrace to the Dorset Police force and I hope she has been sacked.

rabz89 says...
4:59pm Tue 12 Feb 13

So... In the news we have a police officer put to bed by a detainee for being battered after a bottle of whisky... A police officer IMO guilty of manslaughter for using her phone behind the wheel... Whats next????

Bob49 says...
5:06pm Tue 12 Feb 13

"as the coroner said, his responsibility does not include the allocation of blame"

Rightly so, and so it should be rigorously tested in a court of law - other the distrust of the public will continue, as above comments show.

And in the long run the credibility of both the police and the whole judiciary will be brought into question, yet again.

lelbel says...
6:45pm Tue 12 Feb 13

what a lying toe rag and she works with the police omg,that poor man all because of her stupidity,hope she can live with herself,condolences to his family

rayc says...
7:18pm Tue 12 Feb 13

lelbel wrote:
what a lying toe rag and she works with the police omg,that poor man all because of her stupidity,hope she can live with herself,condolences to his family
Hopefully she works for them no longer.

Knighthawk says...
7:20pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Once again the Police would have shut the road for hours to investigate & then come up with not enough evidence to prosecute. They are quite frankly incompetent at their job. I wonder how other counties fair with their traffic divisions? Doeset must have one of the worst in that if it does not generate cash they are not bothered.
A waste of a good life.

UZZY says...
7:24pm Tue 12 Feb 13

She should be sent to jail for this....as a motorcyclist l see stupid motorists using phones whilst they are driving everyday ..its frightening coming across car drivers coming round traffic islands one handed with a mobile phone clamped in the other hand,its shocking & for a police woman to flout the law in this way is utterly disgusting.
RIP David.

buickboy says...
7:33pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Sue the lying sl*g in the civil courts--- unbelievable!!
Sincere condolences to the family, RIP old son

moorsman70 says...
7:40pm Tue 12 Feb 13

everyone knows the gathers are a waste of time once a crime has been committed

Controversial But True says...
8:04pm Tue 12 Feb 13

This gives an even worse name to a group of 'police wannabe's' who are even worse than PCSO's!!

ihateher says...
8:10pm Tue 12 Feb 13

She has destroyed our family and no-one can be bothered to see the evidence that she broke the law

wimborne lady says...
8:24pm Tue 12 Feb 13

I cannot understand why she wasn't procecuted for causing death by dangerous driving or driving with out due care and attention.
If they can't prove she wasn't on the phone surely she should be charged with one of the above.

Also i can't believe the Highways Agancy hasn't made that juction a no right turn when emerging and a no entry from the right - it's a bad juction.

dvdr says...
8:38pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Yet another lying police employee, and yet another not to be prosecuted (in case the prosecution results in a conviction?).

Where does this stop? Can anyone in the police service be believed any more?

There was a time when I trusted the police, but it is hard to do so now. Who knows what untruths and misdeeds they perform, and hide? At least, a prosecution should have gone ahead, so that we could all see what was going on in our police force. Acquittal may well have been the result of a prosecution, but at least the behaviour of one of those who so diligently pursue the rest of us could have been publicly explored. Someone has been killed because of her actions, and she is relieved of all open forum examination - this is just not right!

jill M says...
8:51pm Tue 12 Feb 13

dvdr wrote:
Yet another lying police employee, and yet another not to be prosecuted (in case the prosecution results in a conviction?).

Where does this stop? Can anyone in the police service be believed any more?

There was a time when I trusted the police, but it is hard to do so now. Who knows what untruths and misdeeds they perform, and hide? At least, a prosecution should have gone ahead, so that we could all see what was going on in our police force. Acquittal may well have been the result of a prosecution, but at least the behaviour of one of those who so diligently pursue the rest of us could have been publicly explored. Someone has been killed because of her actions, and she is relieved of all open forum examination - this is just not right!
Is a special constable a police employee, as I always thought they weren't paid a salary? And if the case was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, and they decided to take no further action, how can this be the fault of the police?

elsa19 says...
9:01pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Here we have a case of the police like politician above the law. They preach to us what they cannot do themselves. I have never trusted the police

rayc says...
9:38pm Tue 12 Feb 13

As a Special Police Officer she had all the training that was necessary to do the job of a full time Officer whilst doing the duties assigned to her. She knew that distraction was, according to Dorset police, one of the dangerous four targeted by the No excuse Campaign. She has given drivers who use their mobile phone Fixed Penalties for that very reason.
Perhaps she just thought the rules didn't apply to her and that those exemptions allowed to Police officers whilst going about their duties applied to her at any time.

LNZ1 57 says...
9:41pm Tue 12 Feb 13

I was David Bartholomews partner, I would just like to thank everyone for their supportive comments. Out of fairness, I do feel the need to point out that the investigating officers who presented this case to the Crown Prosecution Service and then subsequently appealed the decision not to prosecute, have tried their utmost to get justice for David and get this heard in a court of law, the CPS seem to have appointed themselves both Judge and Jury and disallowed its progress!

Avengerboy says...
10:09pm Tue 12 Feb 13

Consistancy in prosecution and sentencing would see the mobile phone user incarcerated, but no she was a special constable. What other conclusion can you come to? The CPS should be ashamed.

GinGirl says...
10:35pm Tue 12 Feb 13

I can not believe this verdict, our country is going to the dogs!, how can it be that she got off, a man died because she couldn't put off the call until her journey ended, well I hope her call was important, absolutely disgusting, a special constable too.I hope you have nightmares young lady!.My heart goes out to David's family, R.I.P David.

gti90* says...
11:42pm Tue 12 Feb 13

un believable! i am feel sick by the injustice reading this article as someone else has said if it was the other way round they would have thrown the book at the driver! THERE WILL COME A TIME WHERE THE PEOPLE WILL FIGHT BACK THIS VERDICT IS MORE THAN FISHY ABSOLUTE BOL**CKS R.I.P DAVID

Dr Strangelove says...
12:33am Wed 13 Feb 13

Alot on hear think the verdict was incorrect. We have a Mr martyn underhill who I believe is our crime commissioner what about a letter to him. It does sound like the "result" is iffy in the extreme!!!

mpdor says...
1:18am Wed 13 Feb 13

The cps should be made to publicly state in open session as to their reasons why they will not prosecute this lieing devious women, there are many decent police officers in the bmth area and beyond, but this one case sickens me, where is the justice

Phixer says...
7:17am Wed 13 Feb 13

It appears that the WPC was driving 'without due care and attention' which must be sufficient to warrant a prosecution where someone has been killed.

rayc says...
8:10am Wed 13 Feb 13

As an aside it is a salutary lesson not to turn right out of a junction unless you can be sure that nothing is overtaking the vehicles you can see approaching from your right. It may seem that you have enough time to complete your turn before the lead vehicle arrives but as in this tragic case it is not always without consequences.

lilliputian says...
8:22am Wed 13 Feb 13

Dr Strangelove wrote:
Alot on hear think the verdict was incorrect. We have a Mr martyn underhill who I believe is our crime commissioner what about a letter to him. It does sound like the "result" is iffy in the extreme!!!
Unlikely that Underhill would criticise 'one of his own' - just another example of a corrupt police service, who seem a law unto themselves. Ian Tomlinson springs to mind.

rayc says...
8:25am Wed 13 Feb 13

Dr Strangelove wrote:
Alot on hear think the verdict was incorrect. We have a Mr martyn underhill who I believe is our crime commissioner what about a letter to him. It does sound like the "result" is iffy in the extreme!!!
The last thing I want is a politician influencing the decisions of the independence of the CPS and judiciary.
The CPS must have their reasons for deciding that there would not be a reasonable prospect of a conviction for a prosecution of any offence resulting from this collision.

scrumpyjack says...
8:30am Wed 13 Feb 13

rayc wrote:
Scoty2hotty wrote:
So much for Dorset Police's "No Excuses" campaign... I received three points for having my phone on my lap whilst on loud speaker so it must be an offence!!

RIP David..
I've always believed that most of the people involved in the enforcement of the No Excuse campaign do the very things that they prosecute drivers for, whether it be Police Officers, magistrates, speed camera operatives, Driver Awareness Course instructors, council officials and Councillors.
Your point being?

Slaughthouse men may kill animlas all day but that's their job they don't do it when 'off duty'.

Drs tell us not to smoke but they are not all non-smokers.

Clowns and comedians can be miserable when not on stage.

Actors are themselves not their character when not working.

The list is endless.

But why is it it is invarably young women that are in court over this when someone has been killed? Seems they are unable to 'switch off'.

scrumpyjack says...
8:34am Wed 13 Feb 13

afcb-mark wrote:
No doubt she will soon be back on the streets issuing tickets to people to make more money and perhaps even twisting the truth a bit!! She is not someone to look up to she is a wannabe copper and a liar. She is also a disgrace to the Dorset Police force and I hope she has been sacked.
Can you 'sack' an unqualified, unpaid volunteer? I wonder.

scrumpyjack says...
8:42am Wed 13 Feb 13

jill M wrote:
dvdr wrote:
Yet another lying police employee, and yet another not to be prosecuted (in case the prosecution results in a conviction?).

Where does this stop? Can anyone in the police service be believed any more?

There was a time when I trusted the police, but it is hard to do so now. Who knows what untruths and misdeeds they perform, and hide? At least, a prosecution should have gone ahead, so that we could all see what was going on in our police force. Acquittal may well have been the result of a prosecution, but at least the behaviour of one of those who so diligently pursue the rest of us could have been publicly explored. Someone has been killed because of her actions, and she is relieved of all open forum examination - this is just not right!
Is a special constable a police employee, as I always thought they weren't paid a salary? And if the case was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, and they decided to take no further action, how can this be the fault of the police?
Hey come on now, don't let a little truth and perspective get in the way of a good anti-police rant.

These people have been given tickets for breaking the law, they need this chance to spout rubbish to help them feel better.

Are you the one to take it away from them?

Telscombe Cliffy says...
8:43am Wed 13 Feb 13

rayc wrote:
As an aside it is a salutary lesson not to turn right out of a junction unless you can be sure that nothing is overtaking the vehicles you can see approaching from your right. It may seem that you have enough time to complete your turn before the lead vehicle arrives but as in this tragic case it is not always without consequences.
Good advice rayc and perhaps I can add that it is against the highway code to overtake on a junction, which is another rule to help prevent the type of sad scenario which has happened here.Condolences to Mr Bartholomews family.

scrumpyjack says...
8:44am Wed 13 Feb 13

Phixer wrote:
It appears that the WPC was driving 'without due care and attention' which must be sufficient to warrant a prosecution where someone has been killed.
She's not a WPC.

uvox44 says...
8:47am Wed 13 Feb 13

a vehicle is a potentially lethal weapon , just like a gun, when you use one you are entrusted a huge responsibility, however if this person had accidentally fired a gun and killed someone then I'm sure they would be facing prosecution, sadly for some reason deaths caused by a lack of care in charge of vehicles are treated as less serious - maybe time for an e-petition on the govt website ?

suzigirl says...
8:55am Wed 13 Feb 13

My thoughts are with David's family. I had to endure a inquest following my son's death in a RTC nearly five years ago. The driver of the van was a disqualified driver and left the scene of the accident. He was jailed only because he was caught driving while disqualified again before the final Hearing.

I ride a motorbike but I would not filter near a junction in any circumstance. I seen an AA man using his mobile phone whilst driving last week!

jill M says...
8:59am Wed 13 Feb 13

LNZ1 57 wrote:
I was David Bartholomews partner, I would just like to thank everyone for their supportive comments. Out of fairness, I do feel the need to point out that the investigating officers who presented this case to the Crown Prosecution Service and then subsequently appealed the decision not to prosecute, have tried their utmost to get justice for David and get this heard in a court of law, the CPS seem to have appointed themselves both Judge and Jury and disallowed its progress!
Thankyou for taking the time and trouble to give posters on here the truth about what happened, and to make them realise that not all police are bad, and that they like to see justice done as much as anyone. I m so sorry for your loss.

Chris the plumber says...
9:03am Wed 13 Feb 13

poor David, a car driver and a motorbiker both not paying attention to the road and this happens. the car driver was pulled out not knowing a motorbike was over taking .. Bang!!
its always the biker that comes off worst which i think David forgot for a moment. as all biker know but rarely observe, never never overtake when aproaching a junction... you would fail your test should you do so ..because the driver of the car at the junction may not be paying attention.

pitbull74 says...
9:48am Wed 13 Feb 13

There are hundreds of regular officers within Dorset Police who go about their duty every day, serving the community to the best of their ability. There are also a minority that let all of those hard working officers down. This minority eventually get found out and get pushed out of the job.
The car driver was a volunteer who has not had the same police training as her regular colleagues, the driving course that she mentioned in court would have been a round the block can you drive a car test. Not an emergency response course. Yes she should have known better, Yes she should have told the truth from the start and NO she she should not remain in the post of constable. I expect she only did a few hours a month anyway.
The real police officers in the case have as they always do, strive to bring to justice those responsible for such offences. CPS saw fit not to bring the case to court, not the police.
Remember its always the bad stories about the police that make the news, not the hundreds of good ones. Thats not news is it? thats them just doing their job. Police officers are a cross section of the community, normal people doing a thankless job.
My thoughts are with the family of David, but please dont let this womans actions tarnish your views on the real police officers out there.

85tromby says...
9:55am Wed 13 Feb 13

This isn't the first time I've seen a copper on their mobile phone whilst driving. I know she wasn't in a marked car but there have been times when I've seen a copper on their phone whilst driving. Plus are their radios not just as much a distraction as a mobile phone? It seems to be one law for police officers and another for the general public!

Redgolfer says...
10:20am Wed 13 Feb 13

pitbull74 wrote:
There are hundreds of regular officers within Dorset Police who go about their duty every day, serving the community to the best of their ability. There are also a minority that let all of those hard working officers down. This minority eventually get found out and get pushed out of the job.
The car driver was a volunteer who has not had the same police training as her regular colleagues, the driving course that she mentioned in court would have been a round the block can you drive a car test. Not an emergency response course. Yes she should have known better, Yes she should have told the truth from the start and NO she she should not remain in the post of constable. I expect she only did a few hours a month anyway.
The real police officers in the case have as they always do, strive to bring to justice those responsible for such offences. CPS saw fit not to bring the case to court, not the police.
Remember its always the bad stories about the police that make the news, not the hundreds of good ones. Thats not news is it? thats them just doing their job. Police officers are a cross section of the community, normal people doing a thankless job.
My thoughts are with the family of David, but please dont let this womans actions tarnish your views on the real police officers out there.
Great Post, there are good and bad in ALL walk's of life and would not it be a bad world with out the Police and so nice to read his widow's words in defence of what has happened, my thoughts are with his family!!!

exsparks says...
11:39am Wed 13 Feb 13

Just change the law,if you use a mobile when driving face a minimum twelve months suspension and your insurer will further punish you for years to come

ledge374 says...
1:00pm Wed 13 Feb 13

Make an example of her and throw the book at her. No excuses. If that is the law that they are trying to enforce then they have to adhere or suffer the circumstances, simple as!!

scrumpyjack says...
1:18pm Wed 13 Feb 13

Redgolfer wrote:
pitbull74 wrote:
There are hundreds of regular officers within Dorset Police who go about their duty every day, serving the community to the best of their ability. There are also a minority that let all of those hard working officers down. This minority eventually get found out and get pushed out of the job.
The car driver was a volunteer who has not had the same police training as her regular colleagues, the driving course that she mentioned in court would have been a round the block can you drive a car test. Not an emergency response course. Yes she should have known better, Yes she should have told the truth from the start and NO she she should not remain in the post of constable. I expect she only did a few hours a month anyway.
The real police officers in the case have as they always do, strive to bring to justice those responsible for such offences. CPS saw fit not to bring the case to court, not the police.
Remember its always the bad stories about the police that make the news, not the hundreds of good ones. Thats not news is it? thats them just doing their job. Police officers are a cross section of the community, normal people doing a thankless job.
My thoughts are with the family of David, but please dont let this womans actions tarnish your views on the real police officers out there.
Great Post, there are good and bad in ALL walk's of life and would not it be a bad world with out the Police and so nice to read his widow's words in defence of what has happened, my thoughts are with his family!!!
Agree with you and Pitbull.

People are so blinded by their prejudice all they see is the headline and not the story. The facts of the story.

To LNZ1 57, I am nothing to do with the police but would thank you for your post and offer my condolences for your loss.

squirrel1952 says...
1:31pm Wed 13 Feb 13

There are absolutely no excuses relevant here. One motorcyclist is dead because of lack of attention. ANY use of a mobile phone, whether it is on your lap, clamped to your ear or on hands free is a DISTRACTION to your concentration when driving a potentially lethal weapon like a vehicle. She should be sent down for dangerous driving at the very least - not that it will bring back the poor man or help his family, but at least it would ensure that justice is done AND SEEN TO BE DONE.

Likewise, anyone smoking or eating has their attention distracted and should really be discouraged at the very least. These situations, including jumping traffic lights and "taking chances" at railway crossings need to be highlighted as VERY VERY dangerous when behind the wheel of any motor vehicle. Speed isn't always the criteria, it is lack of attention that kills / maimes.

Molecatcher says...
1:36pm Wed 13 Feb 13

How very sad. Two families devastated. Ms Carpenter will have to live with this tragedy for the rest of her life, knowing that her actions resulted in Mr Bartholomew's death. It will be something she can never forget for a single minute and will probably never forgive herself for.

Probably sounds a bit wooly minded and liberal, but the justice system is not going to bring Mr Bartholomew back, neither will it take away the pain and guilt of Ms Carpenter - she knows what she has done and even the harshest prison sentence cannot do anything to lessen that. The price that both of these families have to pay is way beyond the justice system.

My thoughts and sympathies are with everyone involved.

Barty Jnr says...
2:46pm Wed 13 Feb 13

I am David's son, James Bartholomew.

I would firstly like to thank all the Local authorities that helped during and after the initial incident – in particular the officers that have helped with the case and the emergency services and hospital staff that where possible did above and beyond all they could.

We as a family have had everything disclosed to us, and rest assured the officers that we have come in to contact with during the entire ordeal have been nothing but professional and honourable. Their priority throughout every step of the case was to seek justice for my father and my family. I cannot thank enough the officers in direct relation to the inquest. As some have said, there will always be elements to this that the outside parties will never know of, but for those present at the inquest yesterday, it painted a questionable picture of dishonesty, lies and fiction, but none of which the police manufactured nor attempted to conceal.

To say the most upsetting element of this would be the injustice done to my father would be a lie, for that would be losing my father, my idol and hero and seeing the pain caused to Lindsey and the complete heartache and devastation to my sister and family. All we have ever hoped was that we receive some answers to our many questions and we can hold our heads high and proud to have been his children, family and partner throughout this ordeal.

To all the acting officers that have helped my family – thank you for your respect, honour, professionalism and compassion. You are shining examples of your profession in what for us has been a dark time.

scrumpyjack says...
2:59pm Wed 13 Feb 13

85tromby wrote:
This isn't the first time I've seen a copper on their mobile phone whilst driving. I know she wasn't in a marked car but there have been times when I've seen a copper on their phone whilst driving. Plus are their radios not just as much a distraction as a mobile phone? It seems to be one law for police officers and another for the general public!
You might like to read ALL the posts.

jill M says...
3:12pm Wed 13 Feb 13

Barty Jnr wrote:
I am David's son, James Bartholomew.

I would firstly like to thank all the Local authorities that helped during and after the initial incident – in particular the officers that have helped with the case and the emergency services and hospital staff that where possible did above and beyond all they could.

We as a family have had everything disclosed to us, and rest assured the officers that we have come in to contact with during the entire ordeal have been nothing but professional and honourable. Their priority throughout every step of the case was to seek justice for my father and my family. I cannot thank enough the officers in direct relation to the inquest. As some have said, there will always be elements to this that the outside parties will never know of, but for those present at the inquest yesterday, it painted a questionable picture of dishonesty, lies and fiction, but none of which the police manufactured nor attempted to conceal.

To say the most upsetting element of this would be the injustice done to my father would be a lie, for that would be losing my father, my idol and hero and seeing the pain caused to Lindsey and the complete heartache and devastation to my sister and family. All we have ever hoped was that we receive some answers to our many questions and we can hold our heads high and proud to have been his children, family and partner throughout this ordeal.

To all the acting officers that have helped my family – thank you for your respect, honour, professionalism and compassion. You are shining examples of your profession in what for us has been a dark time.
Thankyou so much for your post, perhaps people might stop blaming the whole police force now for something that one individual did. Whatever the outcome, nothing can bring back your father, and you have my heartfelt sympathy.

suzigirl says...
3:34pm Wed 13 Feb 13

jill M wrote:
Barty Jnr wrote: I am David's son, James Bartholomew. I would firstly like to thank all the Local authorities that helped during and after the initial incident – in particular the officers that have helped with the case and the emergency services and hospital staff that where possible did above and beyond all they could. We as a family have had everything disclosed to us, and rest assured the officers that we have come in to contact with during the entire ordeal have been nothing but professional and honourable. Their priority throughout every step of the case was to seek justice for my father and my family. I cannot thank enough the officers in direct relation to the inquest. As some have said, there will always be elements to this that the outside parties will never know of, but for those present at the inquest yesterday, it painted a questionable picture of dishonesty, lies and fiction, but none of which the police manufactured nor attempted to conceal. To say the most upsetting element of this would be the injustice done to my father would be a lie, for that would be losing my father, my idol and hero and seeing the pain caused to Lindsey and the complete heartache and devastation to my sister and family. All we have ever hoped was that we receive some answers to our many questions and we can hold our heads high and proud to have been his children, family and partner throughout this ordeal. To all the acting officers that have helped my family – thank you for your respect, honour, professionalism and compassion. You are shining examples of your profession in what for us has been a dark time.
Thankyou so much for your post, perhaps people might stop blaming the whole police force now for something that one individual did. Whatever the outcome, nothing can bring back your father, and you have my heartfelt sympathy.
I was at the ride out for David and he has a great family and friends. I never actually met him but could tell he was a wonderful person with a great smile!

The Warlock says...
3:41pm Wed 13 Feb 13

She should of know better not to be using a mobile phone while driving considering shes part of the police force. As usual though one set of rules for us and one set of rules for them! Double standards as usual!

ashleycross says...
4:11pm Wed 13 Feb 13

The CPS is to blame for the decision not to prosecute.There is no appeal from this decision. The police have no control over them, neither does the victim. They are making the police look bad. The person responsible for them is the home secretary and it is high time there was an appeal procedure in place against their decisions that could be accessed by both police and victims. If the sentence is too low a victim can appeal. If the decision is not to prosecute no one can appeal.

ashleycross says...
4:17pm Wed 13 Feb 13

85tromby wrote:
This isn't the first time I've seen a copper on their mobile phone whilst driving. I know she wasn't in a marked car but there have been times when I've seen a copper on their phone whilst driving. Plus are their radios not just as much a distraction as a mobile phone? It seems to be one law for police officers and another for the general public!
Did you report it?
Do any of us report when we see a driver on a mobile?
I have but not that often. I will now and I hope other people will too.

scrumpyjack says...
4:20pm Wed 13 Feb 13

The Warlock wrote:
She should of know better not to be using a mobile phone while driving considering shes part of the police force. As usual though one set of rules for us and one set of rules for them! Double standards as usual!
Can you read?

muscliffman says...
4:58pm Wed 13 Feb 13

The injustice of this has been perfectly captured in national media reports elsewhere which allegedly show a photo of the Special Police Constable involved arriving at the Coroner's Court for the verdict - grinning from ear to ear and maybe even laughing.

Nuff said, 'Mind how you go'.

rayc says...
5:29pm Wed 13 Feb 13

The report in the Daily Mail has a statement from the CPS which details the reasons that they did not proceed with a prosecution of the driver.
Perhaps the Echo could update their report to include it.
An extract from it says:
"'In order to charge Ms Carpenter with an offence of death by careless driving or death by dangerous driving we had to prove that her driving fell below or far below the standard required at the time of the collision.
'Two drivers who were the closest to the collision stated that when Ms Carpenter pulled out her manoeuvre was safe and did not inconvenience them.
'This supported Ms Carpenter's account, which stated that she checked both ways before pulling out."

I make no comment either way, just posting to pass information.

skydriver says...
5:51pm Wed 13 Feb 13

Prison sentence is the only answer to this excuse of a police officer albeit at special, well she sure is special now as she is obviously a liar as well, could the real police trust her ever again, simply NO.

afcb-mark says...
5:54pm Wed 13 Feb 13

rayc wrote:
The report in the Daily Mail has a statement from the CPS which details the reasons that they did not proceed with a prosecution of the driver.
Perhaps the Echo could update their report to include it.
An extract from it says:
"'In order to charge Ms Carpenter with an offence of death by careless driving or death by dangerous driving we had to prove that her driving fell below or far below the standard required at the time of the collision.
'Two drivers who were the closest to the collision stated that when Ms Carpenter pulled out her manoeuvre was safe and did not inconvenience them.
'This supported Ms Carpenter's account, which stated that she checked both ways before pulling out."

I make no comment either way, just posting to pass information.
I too have just looked at the story in the Mail and am shocked by the photo of her arriving at Bournemouth Coroners Court with a massive smile like a cheshire cat across her face. She obviously has no regrets, morals or respect for the family. Self centred, cocky, lying ****

rayc says...
6:22pm Wed 13 Feb 13

Why did she attend the inquest? Surely there was nothing to add to the Police statement. It is hard to tell from the report, in the Echo or the Mail, of whether she had given evidence at the inquest or the police reported what she had said during the investigation.

ty taylor says...
6:55pm Wed 13 Feb 13

She would have to had attended the inquest the same as I had to being one of the witnesses. Unfortunately neither the echo or the mail have reported all the facts, they both probably didnt see each other until the last second as their view of each other could have been restricted by my van. (As has been published neither I or the other witness , who was waiting behind her saw her on the phone, there was nothing in her actions to suggest that she was not paying proper attention). If either I had broken the speed limit in the roadworks area or the vehicles in front of me had not broken the law then there would not have been a bigger enough gap for Ms Carpenter to have emerged from the junction and Mr Bartholomew may still be with us today. Please in the future do not post on these distressing news articles if you were not there and do not know what happened.

Routers says...
7:00pm Wed 13 Feb 13

85tromby wrote:
This isn't the first time I've seen a copper on their mobile phone whilst driving. I know she wasn't in a marked car but there have been times when I've seen a copper on their phone whilst driving. Plus are their radios not just as much a distraction as a mobile phone? It seems to be one law for police officers and another for the general public!
The radios they use look the same as a mobile phone and in fact do everything.
It is known as Terrestrial Trunk Radio

what i think says...
8:05pm Wed 13 Feb 13

no excuse should be treated like anyone else would. absolute disgrace, take her licence, throw the book at her. for dorset police to show any kind of fairness they should come out and tell us all how they are going to deal with this offence. poor show police :-(

ds corfemullen says...
8:07pm Wed 13 Feb 13

same old story one rule for them and another for us

scrumpyjack says...
8:20pm Wed 13 Feb 13

ds corfemullen wrote:
same old story one rule for them and another for us
Same old story someone with a grudge ignoring all the facts.

scrumpyjack says...
8:38pm Wed 13 Feb 13

what i think wrote:
no excuse should be treated like anyone else would. absolute disgrace, take her licence, throw the book at her. for dorset police to show any kind of fairness they should come out and tell us all how they are going to deal with this offence. poor show police :-(
FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!!! Read what the people who have most been affected by this terrible tradegy have to say about the police.

Read the facts not the headline.

God I wish I could tell you 'what I think'.

nosuchluck54 says...
9:22pm Wed 13 Feb 13

ty taylor wrote:
She would have to had attended the inquest the same as I had to being one of the witnesses. Unfortunately neither the echo or the mail have reported all the facts, they both probably didnt see each other until the last second as their view of each other could have been restricted by my van. (As has been published neither I or the other witness , who was waiting behind her saw her on the phone, there was nothing in her actions to suggest that she was not paying proper attention). If either I had broken the speed limit in the roadworks area or the vehicles in front of me had not broken the law then there would not have been a bigger enough gap for Ms Carpenter to have emerged from the junction and Mr Bartholomew may still be with us today. Please in the future do not post on these distressing news articles if you were not there and do not know what happened.
I think you completely misunderstand what this article is about perhaps re-read it then you will realise exactly why people are making these comments

ty taylor says...
9:38pm Wed 13 Feb 13

I know exactly what this article is about but dont let the facts get in the way. There are other facts as well that the CPS probably took into account, but hay what do I know, I was just unfortunate to see the accident with a clear view.

nosuchluck54 says...
10:24pm Wed 13 Feb 13

As you were unaware she was on the phone to which she admits to now after having lied to the police you did not know all the facts and obviously did not have a clear view as to what she was doing so ease off the patronising remarks ay

Babybop says...
10:48pm Wed 13 Feb 13

Okay for her to give out points for the public being on their phone. She kills someone while on her phone, lies about it and gets away Scott free. And they wonder why the public have lost trust in the force!

Babybop says...
10:54pm Wed 13 Feb 13

I wonder if a petition or something similar was started,for the courts to re look at the ruling and give justice to David's family, make a change? I know plenty of people who would sign it.

saildorset says...
11:04pm Wed 13 Feb 13

pitbull74 wrote:
There are hundreds of regular officers within Dorset Police who go about their duty every day, serving the community to the best of their ability. There are also a minority that let all of those hard working officers down. This minority eventually get found out and get pushed out of the job.
The car driver was a volunteer who has not had the same police training as her regular colleagues, the driving course that she mentioned in court would have been a round the block can you drive a car test. Not an emergency response course. Yes she should have known better, Yes she should have told the truth from the start and NO she she should not remain in the post of constable. I expect she only did a few hours a month anyway.
The real police officers in the case have as they always do, strive to bring to justice those responsible for such offences. CPS saw fit not to bring the case to court, not the police.
Remember its always the bad stories about the police that make the news, not the hundreds of good ones. Thats not news is it? thats them just doing their job. Police officers are a cross section of the community, normal people doing a thankless job.
My thoughts are with the family of David, but please dont let this womans actions tarnish your views on the real police officers out there.
pitbull74, you've submitted the best comment so far, you've hit the nail on the head. My son is a Met Officer, straight as an arrow, doesn't nick em for the sake of it.
I feel so sorry for the Police Officer's who do a job to the best of their abilities but, constantly being slagged off, taking the brunt of those that abuse the position/uniform. Cheers mate.
RIP David

O'Reilly says...
11:14pm Wed 13 Feb 13

When I explain what has happened in this case, people call me a conspiracy nut, but, I can assure you - if you haven't already read the tea leaves -that we are now in a Police State. It happened while you were all asleep at the wheel. Me nuts? Enjoy!

ty taylor says...
11:19pm Wed 13 Feb 13

nosuchluck54 wrote:
As you were unaware she was on the phone to which she admits to now after having lied to the police you did not know all the facts and obviously did not have a clear view as to what she was doing so ease off the patronising remarks ay
I am not supporting Ms Carpenter but am giving facts that the press have not. Also I did have a clear view as my van was the last vehicle that Mr Batholowmew overtook.

saildorset says...
11:22pm Wed 13 Feb 13

jill M wrote:
Barty Jnr wrote:
I am David's son, James Bartholomew.

I would firstly like to thank all the Local authorities that helped during and after the initial incident – in particular the officers that have helped with the case and the emergency services and hospital staff that where possible did above and beyond all they could.

We as a family have had everything disclosed to us, and rest assured the officers that we have come in to contact with during the entire ordeal have been nothing but professional and honourable. Their priority throughout every step of the case was to seek justice for my father and my family. I cannot thank enough the officers in direct relation to the inquest. As some have said, there will always be elements to this that the outside parties will never know of, but for those present at the inquest yesterday, it painted a questionable picture of dishonesty, lies and fiction, but none of which the police manufactured nor attempted to conceal.

To say the most upsetting element of this would be the injustice done to my father would be a lie, for that would be losing my father, my idol and hero and seeing the pain caused to Lindsey and the complete heartache and devastation to my sister and family. All we have ever hoped was that we receive some answers to our many questions and we can hold our heads high and proud to have been his children, family and partner throughout this ordeal.

To all the acting officers that have helped my family – thank you for your respect, honour, professionalism and compassion. You are shining examples of your profession in what for us has been a dark time.
Thankyou so much for your post, perhaps people might stop blaming the whole police force now for something that one individual did. Whatever the outcome, nothing can bring back your father, and you have my heartfelt sympathy.
Barty jnr. James, that was quite a posting.
I am so pleased that all has not been gloom and doom. That the Police, Ambulance and Hospital Services served your father well, sadly he lost his battle, no doubt he fought it well.
Not the result we would have all wished for but, at the end of the day nothing is going to turn the clock back.
I sincerely hope you and your family can get your lives back together and have good memories to reflect on.
Remember all the good people who are on your side, they will not forget.
Barry

mpdor says...
3:14am Thu 14 Feb 13

after seeing this disgraceful excuse for a special constable coming out and smirking as if it were holiday season i hope she is sacked instantly, our new crime commissioner should see to it if he is serious, the fact is how can a special police constable be trusted to do their job honestly when they have admitted to lieing during a serious investigation and a e-petition calling for her to be sacked and prosecuted should be launched on the downing street website

nosuchluck54 says...
6:31am Thu 14 Feb 13

ty taylor wrote:
nosuchluck54 wrote:
As you were unaware she was on the phone to which she admits to now after having lied to the police you did not know all the facts and obviously did not have a clear view as to what she was doing so ease off the patronising remarks ay
I am not supporting Ms Carpenter but am giving facts that the press have not. Also I did have a clear view as my van was the last vehicle that Mr Batholowmew overtook.
So clear you were unaware of a certain important fact which is what this thread is about not what you may have said already elsewhere

scrumpyjack says...
8:50am Thu 14 Feb 13

Babybop wrote:
Okay for her to give out points for the public being on their phone. She kills someone while on her phone, lies about it and gets away Scott free. And they wonder why the public have lost trust in the force!
Why have they lost trust in the force?

speedy231278 says...
9:16am Thu 14 Feb 13

scrumpyjack wrote:
Babybop wrote:
Okay for her to give out points for the public being on their phone. She kills someone while on her phone, lies about it and gets away Scott free. And they wonder why the public have lost trust in the force!
Why have they lost trust in the force?
Probably because of people like this!

scrumpyjack says...
10:36am Thu 14 Feb 13

speedy231278 wrote:
scrumpyjack wrote:
Babybop wrote:
Okay for her to give out points for the public being on their phone. She kills someone while on her phone, lies about it and gets away Scott free. And they wonder why the public have lost trust in the force!
Why have they lost trust in the force?
Probably because of people like this!
Even though she is not a Police Officer and even though actual Police Officers tried to get the CPS to prosecute her?

I am sorry I seem to be missing something.

Please enlighten me.

LNZ1 57 says...
7:04pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Many thanks to all those who have expressed support to our family. We are now informed that Colette Carpenter has now resigned as a “Special” constable with immediate effect!

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