Officer’s ‘error of judgment’ led
to fatal accident

Pc Andrew Bramma, 32, of North Yorkshire Police, died instantly when his force van spun and struck the tree side-on while on his way to a 999 call for a collision involving a suspected drunk driver, North Yorkshire Coroners’ Court heard.

The father-of-two, who had recently transferred from Greater Manchester Police, was travelling to the two-car collision at around 70mph when he approached a bend in West Tanfield near Ripon.

He lost control due to an “error of judgment” and his Ford police van careered off the single carriageway road, coroner Rob Turnbull said as he recorded a verdict of death as a result of an accident.

There were no witnesses but passers-by stopped to help and give first aid but realised he was already dead. A post-mortem revealed he died instantly from multiple injuries, especially to his head.

An accident investigation found no faults with his vehicle and revealed road conditions were good.

Mr Turnbull found there was no evidence to suggest the Pc had acted improperly in any way. He said Pc Bramma was “unfamiliar” with the road, using a satellite navigation device to find his way around, and added: “There came a time when he approached a series of bends... where he appears to have lost control of the vehicle.

“In that accident, Andrew suffered fatal injuries. The impact must have been severe.

“It seems to be an error of judgment on Andrew’s part and a lack of capability of his vehicle to negotiate this bend at such a speed which caused this accident.”

Mr Turnbull added: “In responding in the way that he did, he was responding in the hope he’d help others and prevent crime being committed.”

Pc Bramma’s family told inquest they took comfort from knowing he died helping the public.

“He genuinely thought he was attending an incident to help the public,” his father said. “He didn’t know other officers had arrived. But we’ve got the knowledge he was responding to help people.”

Following the hearing, his parents, Brian and Angie, and widow, Kathryn, said in a statement: “Andrew has always been a source of pride to the family, a loving husband, father and a cherished son and brother.

“While we still have difficulty coming to terms with our lives without Andrew, the overwhelming support we have received has provided a great deal of comfort to us all.”

Colleagues had told the inquest the Pc, who was normally based in Harrogate but was seconded to Ripon on the night of his death, was a “calm, confident, mature police officer” and “a family man with an interest in rugby and football”.

In a statement afterwards, Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said the past four months had been incredibly tough on Pc Bramma’s family but the outpouring of support from colleagues and the community was heartening.

He added: “He will forever be remembered as a great family man and trusted friend and colleague to many. He was also a very fine police officer who served with distinction and pride. Rest in peace, Andrew.”