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.
ADVERTISEMENT
A Manchester police has officer been sacked for fleeing from the scene of a crash he was involved in / Credit: GMP
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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”.
ADVERTISEMENT
PC Joel Hopkins was dismissed at an accelerated misconduct hearing at GMP’s HQ last week / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
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.
“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
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
20th March 2024 
