Former top cop given driving penalty

Deputy Chief Constable Dawn Copley, who was Chief Constable for a day last month before stepping aside suddenly, was pulled over on the M1 and agreed to go on the course as part of her punishment.

Ms Copley stood down from her post as the temporary top officer over negative publicity surrounding her being investigated for alleged misconduct, with the findings of that inquiry due to be published later this month.

Details of her driving offence, which is not related to the misconduct claims, emerged this week.

South Yorkshire Police would not say where or when Ms Copley was stopped but it is understood to have involved West Yorkshire Police traffic officers.

The force said in a statement: “We are aware that the Deputy Chief Constable was stopped by roads traffic police in a neighbouring force for driving without due care and attention.

“She accepted her penalty to attend a driver improvement course and has since attended.

“She only disclosed that she was a police officer when asked and at no point tried to influence the decision.

“She was treated like any other member of the public, and fully disclosed the matter to South Yorkshire Police.”

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