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COPS CLEARED OF BLAME FOR CRASH DEATH
Victim’s father believes police still have questions to answer
THE father of a young college hopeful from Paddington who died following a high-speed police chase says he is “devastated” after an independent inquiry found police drivers were not to blame.
Barry Buckley senior believes police still have many questions to answer following the death of his son last October.
Barry Buckley, 23, from the Warwick estate, Desborough Close, skidded into a lamp-post following a high-speed pursuit by police in a marked van.
The former St George’s schoolboy, a popular face in Lisson Grove and Paddington, was wearing a crash helmet but died instantly.
His father this week hit out at a prolonged inquiry that had left many stones unturned.
He said: “Personally, I am not pleased with this at all. There are a lot of questions that still need to be answered. It is devastating for the family – none of them are happy with the decision.
“They told me it would take three months for this investigation and it has taken 12.”
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which deals with complaints and allegations against the police, this week found officers were not responsible for his death.
A spokesman said: “An IPCC investigation has now been completed and there were found to be no criminal or disciplinary matters for the officers involved We have no complaint.”
Mr Buckley’s death mirrors that of 19-year-old Mischa Neiring last year. The promising actor died after a police chase through Mayfair. The IPCC also found police were not responsible for his death. They have this week issued new guidelines banning officers from pursuing suspects driving motorbikes.
The rulings have implications for West End police struggling to cope with weekly raids of luxury jewelers by gangs on driving on scooters.
Inspector David Grainger investigating the case said: “We are aiming to increase police presence in these areas. And this will benefit the community as a whole.” |
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