News

Manchester police officer sacked for fleeing from scene of crash he was involved in

PC Joel Hopkins was dismissed at an accelerated misconduct hearing at GMP's HQ.

Emily Sergeant - 20th March 2024

A Manchester police officer has been sacked for failing to remain at the scene after being involved in a car crash.

PC Joel Hopkins, who was involved in a collision with another vehicle in the Golborne of Wigan back in July 2022, has been dismissed from the police service with immediate effect, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed this week.

PC Hopkins formerly worked within GMP’s Specialist Operations team.

After being involved in the collision, PC Hopkins was instructed by the other present officers to walk up the street and onto the other side of the pedestrian safety barrier, while the scene was assessed for injuries and damage – however, he proceeded to ignore the request.

Instead, he was then said to have “made off on foot”, and later reported the collision by attending Leigh Police Station.

The former PC first appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in May 2023, where he pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident, and was subsequently disqualified from driving for six months, as well as handed a hefty £2,500 fine.

The driving ban was downgraded to seven penalty points on appeal, GMP revealed.

He then appeared at an accelerated misconduct hearing at GMP’s HQ last Friday (15 March), and was dismissed without notice after admitting his actions amounted to gross misconduct.

It’s also been ordered that PC Hopkins’ name be added to the ‘College of Policing Barred List’.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who presided over the GMP misconduct hearing, called PC Hopkins’ actions “unlawful” and “injurious”.

Following PC Hopkins being dismissed last week, CC Watson commented: “PC Hopkins’ offending behaviour was clearly unlawful and injurious to the public’s perception of what should be represented in the behaviour of a professional and well conducted officer.

“This episode marks a terrible lapse in judgement which runs contrary to the evidence of PC Hopkins otherwise long and creditable service.

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“It remains clear however, notwithstanding the officer’s previously unblemished record, that this factor does not outweigh the potential for the loss of confidence that would ensue if PC Hopkins were to be permitted to continue to perform in the office of constable.”

Featured Image – GMP