NYP officer found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving

A North Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and given a suspended sentence following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Detective Constable (DC) Quita Passmore appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday, 3 February.

Our investigation began following an incident on 5 May 2018, when DC Passmore was driving an unmarked police car on Otley Road, Harrogate.

She was responding to an emergency call when her car collided with another vehicle, seriously injuring two members of the public. DC Passmore was also injured.

Our investigation found that DC Passmore drove above the speed limit and passed through a red light without stopping before colliding with the other vehicle.

The investigation was completed in October 2019 and the evidence referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who made the decision to charge DC Passmore with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

DC Passmore was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for two years and banned from driving for two years. Upon completion of the driving ban, DC Passmore must pass an enhanced driving test.

IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “We recognise that police officers undertake a difficult role within our communities however it is necessary that when undertaking their role they follow the policies, procedures and guidance set by their forces. On this occasion our investigation found that DC Passmore drove dangerously when responding to an emergency call which resulted in two members of the public receiving serious injuries.

“The two women and their families have understandably suffered a great deal of stress and anxiety since the incident and we hope that today’s verdict offers them a degree of closure.

“We believe that DC Passmore has a case to answer for gross misconduct. North Yorkshire Police have accepted our recommendation and a hearing will be scheduled by them in due course.”