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03
Sept
Senior detective praises police ‘professionalism’ in Bailey Chadwick case
A senior detective has praised the “professionalism, dedication and determination” of police officers involved in the investigation into the death of Bailey Chadwick.
Bailey, 19, died on the B6265 at Lupton Bank in the early hours of Sunday 20 July 2025 after walking home from Pateley Bridge to Glasshouses.
Joseph Henry Stott, 25, the driver of a car which collided with Bailey, was banned from driving for 20 months, given a 12-month supervision order, 135 hours of unpaid work, and an alcohol tag for 80 days when he was sentenced today (September 3).
You can read a full court report here.
Philip Morris, defending Stott, told the court that the police and prosecution had made “assumptions” which could not be substantiated. He added that the investigation had been “fundamentally flawed”.
But detective inspector Jill Cowling, of North Yorkshire Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said:
This investigation required a significant commitment from officers and staff across North Yorkshire Police, and I would like to acknowledge the professionalism, dedication and determination shown by all those involved.
In particular, I would like to recognise the outstanding work of the family liaison officer who has provided compassionate and unwavering support to Bailey's family throughout the investigation, often during the most difficult moments of their lives.
I am also immensely proud of my investigation team and the many specialist departments who contributed their expertise, including roads policing officers, forensic specialists, intelligence staff, communications teams, and police staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every possible line of enquiry was pursued.
While the outcome at court cannot ease the pain suffered by Bailey's family, it demonstrates our commitment to conducting thorough and professional investigations and holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Arrested four days later
DI Cowling added Bailey’s death was “a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when individuals choose to drive after consuming alcohol”.
Stott changed his plea to guilty regarding driving whilst over the prescribed limit for alcohol.
This was determined by a forward calculation due to the defendant not being arrested until four days after the collision.
It is the first time such a conviction has been secured by North Yorkshire Police using the forward calculation method.
Police launched a suspected hit-and-run investigation which led to the arrest of Stott.
He denied two other charges of failing to stop at a road accident and failing to report a road accident. This was accepted by the court following the guilty plea for the drink-driving offence.
He had previously admitted to driving without insurance.
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