Officer found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving

Detective Constable Quita Passmore was responding to an emergency call from another officer when her unmarked police car collided with a vehicle, seriously injuring the two occupants. Det Con Passmore was also injured.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found that Det Con Passmore drove above the speed limit and passed through a red light without stopping before colliding with the other vehicle on Otley Road in Harrogate on May 5, 2018.

The investigation was completed in October 2019 and the evidence referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which made the decision to charge her with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Det Con Passmore was found guilty at Bradford Crown Court this week and sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for two years. Upon completion of the driving ban, she must pass an enhanced driving test

North Yorkshire Police said the verdict has now been referred to its Professional Standards Department for further investigation.

Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain said: “This was a very sad incident and our thoughts are with the two women and their families who are still recovering from the events of that day.

“This is an incident that police officers hope to never occur and thankfully is rare.

“We acknowledge the decision of the court. The verdict has now been referred to our Professional Standards Department to form part of our internal investigation; therefore, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”

OPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “We recognise that police officers undertake a difficult role within our communities however it is necessary that when undertaking their role they follow the policies, procedures and guidance set by their forces.

“On this occasion our investigation found that Det Con Passmore drove dangerously when responding to an emergency call, which resulted in two members of the public receiving serious injuries.

“The two women and their families have understandably suffered a great deal of stress and anxiety since the incident and we hope that today’s verdict offers them a degree of closure.

“We believe that Det Con Passmore has a case to answer for gross misconduct. North Yorkshire Police have accepted our recommendation and a hearing will be scheduled by them in due course.”