Norfolk Police officer cleared of misconduct after A146 crash

A police officer who was accused of failing to stop and report a road crash has been cleared of misconduct.

PC Karl Warren was driving a Norfolk Police BMW X5 patrol car on the A146 near Lowestoft, Suffolk, when he shunted an Audi car in front.

Its driver, Emily Hewett, pulled over, expecting him to exchange details.

PC Warren claimed he suffered a condition that caused memory loss and had no recollection of the incident.

Medical evidence presented during the hearing showed he suffered from an epileptic disorder.

The collision happened on the Barnby Bends in March 2022.

Norfolk's Chef Constable Paul Sanford said the investigation has had a "profound and serious impact on the officer and his family"

"Any questions relating to the officer's conduct and character must now finally be rejected," he said, in a statement published after the hearing.

"The officer has my full support."

PC Warren was not prosecuted for a motoring offence, but the force was told by the Independent Office for Police Conduct to hold a misconduct hearing.

PC Ryan Hargrave, a passenger in the patrol car, has already faced a disciplinary panel.

Colin Banham, representing PC Warren, said: "The officer has been through hell. He's been through diagnosis. He's no longer carrying [firearms] and he's no longer driving.

"His life has been hugely affected. The publicity; the reality of the situation."

Character statements were read out to the hearing, during which PC Warren's wife became emotional, as his dedication to public service was acknowledged.

Ms Hewett was also present at the hearing.

Norfolk Police and PC Warren's defence accepted that his failure to stop and report the crash would usually trigger misconduct proceedings.

But they agreed that the case hinged on whether or not PC Warren was aware of the incident and could recall it.

Harry Ireland, the chair of the panel, told PC Warren that it accepted the evidence.

He said: "Given that we accept the expert evidence, we dismiss the case against PC Warren."

Addressing Mr Warren directly, he added: "We find the case not proved. The case is dismissed. It is over."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830