Dad-of-six killed in crash after being left by police in boxer shorts 4 miles from residence
Gareth Roper, 35, was arrested at his home in the early hours of New Year’s Day when was driven almost four miles away in a police van and then left by the side of the road
A father-of-six was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident after being left to walk home barefoot in his boxer shorts by police. Tragic Gareth Roper was arrested and driven nearly four miles away before cops left him without any money or his mobile phone.
A hit-and-run driver was later jailed for causing Gareth’s death by dangerous driving. Now, Greater Manchester Police officer David Wood, who was involved in Gareth’s arrest, has been demoted from sergeant to constable following an investigation by the police watchdog.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also found misconduct against a former sergeant and two PCs who were present at the time. The IOPC stated that the former sergeant is no longer serving as a police officer, so no sanction has been imposed on them.
The two PCs are set to ‘undergo reflective practice aimed at improving their performance in future’. Gareth, 35, was struck by a Volvo car driven by Jamie Evans on Lily Lane in Bamfurlong, Wigan, in the early hours of New Year’s Day, 2022.
Evans admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to nine years in prison in September, 2023, according to the Manchester Evening News. In a statement released on Thursday (November 6), the IOPC revealed that a panel, after a seven-day hearing, found that now PC Wood had violated police professional standards.
The panel determined it constituted gross misconduct, resulting in his demotion from the rank of sergeant. Gareth was apprehended at his residence in the wee hours of New Year’s Day on suspicion of causing a breach of the peace.
The IOPC stated that PC Wood, who was a sergeant at the time, used ‘derogatory and offensive language’ towards him during the incident. He was transported nearly four miles away in a police van and left outside the Iceland store in Platt Bridge, Wigan, clad only in his boxer shorts; he was de-arrested around 3.50am, according to the watchdog.
The IOPC said in a statement: “After exiting the police van, Mr Roper was stood wearing only his boxer shorts with all four officers. His clothing, which had earlier been handed to officers by a relative, was left on the road close to his feet.
“He had no coat with him. CCTV then showed the police van and car drive off from Mr Roper. At approximately 4.16am a taxi driver noticed Mr Roper lying in the road. Inquiries found he had been hit by a vehicle and sadly died from his injuries.
Following its investigation into the actions and decision-making of the four officers involved, the IOPC submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of potential criminal charges, but none were brought.
The watchdog’s statement continued: “Following a seven-day hearing, the panel found Sgt David Wood breached the police professional standards of behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; duties and responsibilities; orders and instructions; and discreditable conduct.
“It ruled this amounted to gross misconduct and he was demoted to the rank of PC. The panel also found misconduct against a former sergeant and two PCs involved in the arrest.
“As the former sergeant is no longer serving, and the highest sanction for misconduct is a final written warning, they will face no further action. The two PCs will undergo reflective practice aimed at improving their performance in future.”
During Evans’s prosecution at Bolton Crown Court, the court heard that Gareth had been filmed on CCTV shortly before the collision.
The recording captured him whistling and clapping whilst walking barefoot along white lines in the centre of the carriageway with his jumper wrapped around his waist. IOPC director Amanda Rowe commented: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Roper’s family and loved ones following this tragic incident.
“Police have a duty of care towards those in their custody and the panel’s findings make it clear that the actions of those involved in Mr Roper’s arrest fell short. Our thorough investigation, carried out independently of the police, has ensured those involved have been held accountable.
“Our findings were also shared with the coroner to assist with the coronial process. None of this will erase the suffering of Mr Roper’s loved ones, but I hope this goes some way to helping them get closure.” An inquest into Gareth death has yet to take place.
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