A POLICE worker who started a fire that damaged cars, hedges and a house in Downend has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Mark Pickford set fire to a tree on Badminton Road on the evening of June 2, 2023.
The fire destroyed two hedges and two BMW cars, as well as damaging the frontages of nearby homes.
Pickford, aged 60, was arrested later the same evening and charged with arson while reckless as to whether life was endangered.
He denied the charge but was convicted after a trial at Swindon Crown Court in October.
Last Friday Pickford, who has quit his job with the police, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence at the same court.
A police spokesperson said: “At the time of the offence, he was employed as a member of Avon and Somerset Police staff, in a non-public facing role.
“He was suspended and resigned before a misconduct process could be completed. He will be prevented from working in policing in the future.”
Avon Fire and Rescue Service sent two crews to deal with the blaze, and had to close Badminton Road and isolate electricity and gas supplies while they tackled it.
A telegraph pole was also damaged in the incident, although no-one was injured.
Pedestrian hit by unmarked police car
A PEDESTRIAN suffered “potentially life-changing” injuries when she was hit by a police car on a roundabout on the Avon Ring Road.
The 19-year-old woman was still in hospital more than two weeks after the incident on November 24, which is subject to an internal police investigation.
Avon & Somerset Constabulary said the unmarked car was responding to an emergency and using its blue lights and siren when it was in collision with the woman at the Wick Wick roundabout, where the A4174 meets the A432 Badminton Road.
A police spokesperson said the police officers gave the woman first aid, alongside paramedics.
The spokesperson said: “She was taken to hospital with injuries which are potentially life-changing.
“Her next of kin are aware and we’ll be providing them with support.
“The officers in the vehicle were not injured in the collision and will be offered welfare support.
“As is standard practice following an incident in which there’s been a serious injury following police contact, we’ve made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
“The IOPC has assessed our referral and consider it suitable for a local investigation, which will be carried out by our Professional Standards Department.”
The roundabout is next to the Badminton Road bridge over the M4, which is closed to motor traffic but still open to pedestrians and cyclists.
Several foot and cycle paths cross the junction, which has pedestrian crossings on the approaches.
The ring road was closed for several hours after the incident.