Fatal crash special constable resigns

A DORSET special constable who recently escaped prosecution after killing a motorcyclist whilst talking on her mobile phone at the wheel has resigned from the force.

Collette Carpenter was talking on loudspeaker with the phone in her lap when her Peugeot 206 collided with motorcyclist David Bartholomew, a father-of-two from Bere Regis.

As we reported here, Collette Carpenter avoided prosecution for careless or dangerous driving because, according to the CPS, it could not be proven that she was holding the phone at the time of the crash.

In a statement, Dorset Police said: 'Dorset Police can confirm that the special constable involved in this incident has resigned. We have nothing further to say.'

David Bartholomew's partner Lindsey Witcombe welcomed the move, saying: 'We are reassured to hear that Collette Carpenter has resigned from being a special constable with immediate effect.

'We understand her records will be marked and if there is any attempt in the future to gain entry into the force her dishonesty will be flagged up because she has fallen well short of the standards required to maintain public confidence.'

The story has caused outrage among motorcyclists, the Facebook group 'Justice for David Bartholomew' has received over 4,000 likes. Chris Chope, MP for Christchurch, has announced he will be pursuing the case with the attorney general.