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Andrew Herron |
£2,000 FINE FOR SPEED DEATH COP
Policeman hit motorcyclist after going through red light
THE devastated mother of a TV executive killed by a speeding policeman has called for the officer to be jailed after he was yesterday (Wednesday) fined £2,000 for careless driving.
Desmond Russell, 43, an acting inspector for British Transport Police, has vowed never to drive in this country again after his £35,000 Volvo ploughed into motorcyclist Andrew Herron, 31, in Camden High Street on Good Friday last year.
A three-day trial at Wood Green Crown Court heard how Mr Russell was driving at almost twice the speed limit when he sped through a red light at the junction of Camden High Street, Delancey Street and Pratt Street, causing the fatal collision.
A jury unanimously found him not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years, but guilty of driving carelessly, which he admitted.
Following the verdict, Mr Herron’s mother Doreen said: “He’s killed my son and he’s walked free. He should have gone to prison and been punished. We’re suffering for the rest of our lives. Losing Andrew was the worst thing that ever happened in my life and this is the second because justice wasn’t done. That man knew what he was doing – speeding, jumping traffic lights and killing my son. My son will never come back.”
She added: “I don’t know how to face the future. My Andrew’s life was worth £2,000 and a three years suspended licence. That’s all it was worth.”
Mr Russell, who has a degree in politics, philosophy and economics from Oxford and has since moved from his Grafton Way, Kentish Town home, was caught on CCTV cameras breaking a red light between 26 and 27 seconds into its run.
The trial heard statements from three eyewitnesses, testimony from forensic officers who estimated Mr Russell was travelling at up to 60mph, and character references from his BTP colleagues.
Witnesses described seeing Mr Herron thrown into the air from his Piaggio scooter and landing on the pavement in front of Woolworths on Camden High Street.
Mr Russell took the stand in his own defence and told the court: “I did my best to avoid the collision. My mistake was to go through the red light thinking it was green.”
He added: “I certainly wish Mr Herron hadn’t been killed.”
Defending, Neil Fitzgibbon said: “Mr Russell stresses his enormous remorse. He can’t apologise enough. He knows his driving has destroyed the lives of so many and as a consequence, he will not drive again in this country.”
He added: “You have sitting before you a man who was on the brink of becoming a police inspector. Someone who’s dedicated himself to the service of the public.”
Mr Herron’s fiancée Katie Greenlaw, who was due to marry him in a ceremony in South Africa last November, broke down as she heard the verdict.
His stunned family and friends reacted with tears of anger and frustration as they learned Mr Russell would pay the £2,000 maximum penalty for careless driving and would be banned from driving for three years.
Mr Russell will now have to face a disciplinary panel to learn the future of his career in the Police force.
Senior investigation officer Sgt Phil Clare said: “My sympathy goes out to Andrew Herron’s family and fiancée. It’s been a tragic incident for everyone involved.
Judge Ader told Mr Russell: “It’s an extremely bad case of careless driving. By the evidence, which seemed to be uncontradicted by any other evidence, you were travelling at between 50 and 60mph and certainly too fast to take any avoiding action. You went through a red light although you weren’t aware of it at the time. There’s no question this is wholly out of character for you and you have to suffer the consequences of that action which is the death of Andrew Herron. Nothing I can say can in any way bring back Andrew Herron. It’s not quite the worst possible case but it’s nearly the worst.”
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An absolute disgrace!!! How can driving through a red light at
54-66mph in a 30mph zone not be classed as dangerous driving. Careless is
pulling out on someone at a junction or forgetting to indicate. The fact
that the driver is a policeman is even worse, it just confirms my worst
fears of the British Justice system. This man has taken a life, if this is
British justice you can keep it!
NIc Taylor
And yet another "boy in blue" gets off, is the man colour blind?
There is a lot of difference between green and red! I am disgusted yet again
that due to him being in the Police he gets a light sentence. As far as I am
concerned if you are in the police force and commit a crime you should get a
heavier sentence than a civilian as a police officer knows right from wrong
well they are suppose to as they preach they do all day long! Personally I
feel that Desmond should be dismissed from his role and should serve a
prison sentence, he would get his just deserved and also allow his family to
feel the loss of a loved one!
Karen Lees |
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