OAP’s Windscreen is Smashed by Police in Misunderstanding
Robert Whatley, a 70 year old retired business man, was stopped by Police after he had been caught driving without wearing his seatbelt. The Policeman who was issuing Mr Whatley with a ticket walked around to the passenger’s side of the vehicle, Mr Whatley presumed that the Police had finished dealing with him so he left the scene to drive home as he suffers from a heart condition and was recovering from a Stroke he said he felt “frail and vulnerable” and was scared that he may suffer another stroke at the time of the incident.
Mr Whatley was then followed by the Police for 17 minutes, the Police had their sirens on as Mr Whatley proceeded keeping to the speed limit. Mr Whatley believed that the Police were escorting him home when he saw the blue lights from the Siren. Mr Whatley had to stop when the Police used a ‘stinger’ device which is used to puncture tyres of those people trying to evade the Police.
The ‘chase’ was filmed on the Police’s camera and the events after Mr. Whatley pulled over can only be described as shocking. When Mr. Whatley did stop, as his Range Rover’s tyre had been punctured, it can be seen on the video that one Police officer launched himself onto the bonnet of Mr. Whatley’s vehicle. It then appears that he proceeds to kick the 4×4’s windscreen, whilst the other Officer smashes Mr. Whaley’s driver window.
This story is completely shocking all round, it seems Mr. Whatley had the wrong idea of the Police officer’s intentions and the Police’s behaviour seems totally unacceptable. Mr Whatley has been found guilty of not wearing a seatbelt, failing to stop his vehicle for the Police and having tinted car windows which do not adhere to legal requirements, he also admitted to owning a number plate which doesn’t meet the standard requirements.
Mr. Whatley was later cleared of failing to stop for the Police; he has been fined £235.00 and has £300.00 worth of costs. The two Police officers who attended to Mr. Whatley have been removed from their duties following Mr. Whatley’s complaint to the IPCC.
Investigations are being carried out into Mr. Whatley’s complaint, Deputy Chief Constable Carmel Napier said “We expect the highest professional standards of Police Officers and we can assure Mr. Whatley and the Public that this matter will be thoroughly investigated”.
This story shows a clear example that both parties were wrong in their actions. This is quite worrying when the Police behaviour in this incident is considered; it’s the type of thing you could expect to see in a film. It is however, an important reminder that seatbelts should be worn at all times. If you don’t wear your seatbelt, you are breaking the law. The laws are in place to protect you and others from accidents.
Robert Whatley, a 70 year old retired business man, was stopped by Police after he had been caught driving without wearing his seatbelt. The Policeman who was issuing Mr Whatley with a ticket walked around to the passenger’s side of the vehicle, Mr Whatley presumed that the Police had finished dealing with him so he left the scene to drive home as he suffers from a heart condition and was recovering from a Stroke he said he felt “frail and vulnerable” and was scared that he may suffer another stroke at the time of the incident.
