Shame of top officer caught on phone while driving
A SENIOR police officer who headed a roads policing unit was filmed using a mobile phone while driving.
Mark Thornton faces six points on his licence and a £200 fine after using his phone while driving
Superintendent Mark Thornton has been issued with a fixed penalty notice after a member of the public recorded him driving from Cleveland Police’s headquarters.
He faces six points put on his licence and a £200 fine.
I’m very sorry, not because of the impact on me but to those I feel I’ve let down.
Mr Thornton issued an apology, saying: “As a serving police officer I’m more aware than most of the potentially devastating consequences of driving whilst distracted.
“This is no small thing and the consequences for roads users can be fatal, which is why we have recently seen changes to the law increasing penalty points and fines for using a mobile phone. I’m very sorry, not because of the impact on me but to those I feel I’ve let down.
“Policing is a job I love and in which I’ve carried out my duties to the best of my abilities over 27 years. I have let a lot of people down, not least myself. I will fully accept the consequences of my actions.”
A member of the public recorded Mark driving from Cleveland Police’s headquarters
Until recently Mr Thornton headed the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, which is responsible for traffic.
Cleveland Police said it will investigate Mr Thornton, who is now working in business transformation for the force.
Mr Thornton issued an apology for his actions and is 'willing to suffer the consequences'
Assistant Chief Constable Jason Harwin said: “Superintendent Thornton continues to be very sorry for his actions, not because of the impact on him personally but because of those he feels he’s let down.
“He fully accepts what he’s done and has stated his willingness to accept the consequences. The matter is still currently being considered by the force."