A former Wiltshire Police Constable has been fined £600 plus court costs and given five points on his licence after being identified as the driver of a marked police van that failed to stop at the scene of a RTC last year.
PC Peter Lawson, 49, had been driving the marked van on blue lights on 7th December last year, when he was involved in a collision with another car on the A4 Avenue La Fleche in Chippenham. Lawson failed to stop at the scene or provide any details.
He was subsequently identified as the officer involved and the case was referred to Wiltshire Police’s Professional Standards Department - Lawson was subsequently suspended from the force.
Lawson pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving without due care and attention and failing to stop at the scene of a collision caused whilst he was on duty, so the case went to trial.
On Monday 13th November, he appeared at Bristol Magistrates court where he was found guilty following a trial.
The former officer was fined £600 for the offence of failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision, had his licence endorsed with five points and was ordered to pay £775 to the Crown Prosecution Service and a victim surcharge of £480.
He was fined a further £600 for driving without due care and attention.
Detective Superintendent Liz Coles said: “We expect police officers to reflect the highest standards of conduct while carrying out their duties.
“Clearly Peter Lawson’s illegal actions fell far short of the expectations that the public should expect of a serving police officer.
“His actions have potentially damaging consequences in terms of the trust and confidence of the communities we serve."
Misconduct proceedings will now commence.
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