24/11/2006

Takeaway cop facing disciplinary action

A police officer who was caught speeding on his way to collect a Chinese takeaway has escaped being fined, but is set to face disciplinary action.

Pc Stephen Akrill was caught by a speed camera driving a police Land Rover in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, at 48mph in a 40mph zone on February 13.

He claimed that he was on his way to an accident and escaped receiving a fine and three penalty points.

However, a witness who saw the speed camera flash told magistrates that he saw Pc Akrill go into a Chinese takeaway and emerge with bags of food. Magistrates were told that the food had been ordered in advance.

Pc Akrill said that he had decided to head to the scene of the accident after hearing reports, but changed his mind when he heard that other units were on the way anyway.

South Yorkshire Police chief Meredydd Hughes said that Pc Akrill would face a disciplinary investigation. He said: "This incident has obviously raised public concern and it is very regrettable that an officer should apparently have disregarded a speed camera under these circumstances."

Paul Smith, founder of the anti-speed camera group Safe Speed, said: "The hypocrisy is absolutely breathtaking.

"It's clearly one law for them and another for the rest of us. Cases like this do immeasurable damage to the police-public relationship."

(KMcA)

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