Essex Police apologises over officers’ jokes about fatal crash victim’s death
Essex Police apologised after body-worn camera footage showed three officers joking about the death of Paul Hardcastle’s son, Paul Jr, who died in a crash while being pursued by police. The footage has renewed the family’s concerns about how the officers were held accountable.
The 35-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with a van near Ongar on 12 January. An IOPC investigation found the pursuit officers had acted properly, but the three constables who attended after the crash were given reflective practice, the lowest level of censure. Hardcastle has called for more serious misconduct proceedings; Essex Police described the remarks as needless, insensitive and unacceptable.
In short
- Police apologised for officers’ jokes about Paul Jr’s death.
- An IOPC review found the pursuit officers acted properly.
- His father wants stronger action against the three constables.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Police forced to apologise after officers captured on body-worn camera joking about death of Paul Hardcastle’s son”.