Police officer ‘very sorry’ after high speed crash with Harrogate women

A police officer has apologised after she drove through a red light at 50 miles per hour and crashed into a car with two elderly Harrogate women inside.

Bradford Crown Court heard the statement DC Quita Passmore prepared when questioned under caution by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The court previously heard how Patricia Bulmer and Janet Roberton sustained severe injuries as a result of the crash, including broken bones and a punctured lung.

DC Quita Passmore has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving. She has entered a plea of not guilty to both counts.

She was responding to reports on May 5, 2018 from her colleague PC Nicola Copley – who said she was in distress while trying to make an arrest in the Bilton area.

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The defendant made a three point turn, put on her blue lights and sirens and drove down Otley Road towards the centre of Harrogate.

DC Quita Passmore said in her statement, read out in court with a jury today:

“Despite my concern for [PC Nicola Copley] I limited my speed to 50 miles per hour and kept my road conditions under constant review.

“I was aware that I needed to give way for the red light. But I thought it was unlikely that anything would emerge as my colleague had passed through seconds before.

“As I went through the junction a red car emerged. My evasive action was not enough to avoid the collision.

“I am glad to hear that the two other people involved are making a recovery. I am very sorry this happened, it was never my intention.”

The court called in three witnesses today. PC Steve Kirkbright, driving trainer Kenneth Tate and IOPC officer Paul Whitaker provided evidence.

Steve Kirkbright, a forensic collision investigator with more than 30 years experience at North Yorkshire Police, told the court:

“I do not think that DC Quita Passmore braked heavily before the crash. I have watched the CCTV dozens of times.

“The brake lights do not appear on DC Quita Passmore’s car. Other vehicles in the CCTV slow down and you can see the light bloom.”

Kenneth Tate, a driving trainer at North Yorkshire Police who has taught DC Quita Passmore, also said:

“If I were approaching this junction with a red light I would slow down to a walking pace.

“It is only safe to go once I have got the ‘arena,’ which means that everyone has eyes on the police car around the junction.

“You have to make sure the junction is clear. That is how we always train.”

The trial continues.

Speed sign to be installed outside Western Primary School

A speed sign is to be installed outside Western Primary School in Harrogate as part of the school’s long-running campaign to improve road safety.

Western is one of the largest primary schools in the Harrogate district, with 500 pupils.

It is also situated on one of the busiest streets — Cold Bath Road.

Tim Broad, headteacher of Western Primary School, has spoken of his fears a child could be killed crossing the road.

He and teachers have lobbied North Yorkshire County Council for action.

The campaign finally bore fruit when John Mann, who represents Harrogate central on North Yorkshire County Council, agreed to fund a vehicle-activated sign from his locality budget.

Each county councillor receives a locality budget of £5,000 per year to spend on local needs, and councillor Mann’s allocation covered the £3,200-plus VAT cost of the sign.

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Mr Broad said the school was “very grateful” to councillor Mann. He added:

“This will make a significant difference to the safety of our pupils and it is a relief to know that somebody is listening to our concerns and taking some positive action.

“However, there is much more that needs to be done and I am hoping we can work with North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council to make the whole of Cold Bath Road a safer and healthier environment for everyone who uses it.”

The sign, which has a five-year warranty and a life expectancy of 10 years, will be fixed to the street lamp immediately outside the school.

A radar in the sign detects vehicles travelling above the 20mph speed limit from at least 50 metres away and this triggers a ‘slow down’ message.

The sign will be spun round every few weeks to face traffic from the opposite direction.

Western Primary School urges council to tackle road fears

The headteacher of one of the largest primary schools in Harrogate has called for extra road safety measures outside the building to help parents and children comply with social distancing.

Tim Broad, headteacher of Western Primary School, said some people were taking risks crossing the busy Cold Bath Road at pick-up and drop-off times to avoid crowding at the nearby pelican crossing.

Mr Broad has asked North Yorkshire County Council to provide a temporary lollipop person outside the school, but the local authority has so far not agreed any action.

Mr Broad, who has worked at the school for 20 years and has been headteacher since January, said:

“This is the first time I can remember feeling deeply concerned that we could have a road traffic accident.

“The first week back was chaotic. We had a meeting on the Friday evening and changed the system as best we can.

“But we still have some children and parents trying to cross the road where it isn’t safe.”

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Western has 500 pupils, including its nursery intake, and the sheer volume of pedestrian traffic creates a social distancing hazard compounded by the narrow pavement outside the school and the busy road.

The school has introduced staggered start and finish times and uses three entrances and exits and to ease congestion.

But concerns remain, hence the school’s request for a temporary crossing patrol or signs urging drivers to slow down.

Mr Broad said the council had been responsive to the school’s concerns but it was proving frustratingly difficult to get action.

The Stray Ferret approached North Yorkshire County Council for comment but had not received a reply by the time of publication.

 

Police appeal for help after man assaulted in Harrogate

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 58-year-old man was assaulted by another man in broad daylight on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate.

The man sustained head injuries and cuts to his face during the incident, which happened between 3.15pm and 3.30pm on Sunday.

The attack happened near the Sainsbury’s Local store and afterwards the offender headed towards Valley Gardens.

A police statement issued today said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and are particularly appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the assault, including a man and woman who assisted the victim following the attack.

“The offender is believed to be approximately 18-20 years old , 5ft 8in tall, white with a pale complexion, of slim build and wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up and jeans.”

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for 1751. You can also email stephanie.maslen@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200156170.

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