Police officer in rail tragedy inquiry set to lead district
Chief Inspector Mark Iveson has served with North Yorkshire Police for 25 years in a varied range of roles, including serving with the roads policing group and the force’s Intelligence Unit.
In 2001, he was involved in the investigation into the Great Heck rail crash when he worked as one of the two case officers. He conducted the police interviews with Hart, and helped compile the prosecution file which led to the motorist’s conviction at Leeds Crown Court in December 2001.
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Hide AdThe disaster saw 10 people lose their lives after a Land Rover driven by Hart plunged off the M62 before coming to rest on the rail tracks at Great Heck, near Selby, on February 28, 2001.
A GNER express collided with the Land Rover on the East Coast Main Line and was deflected into the path of a fully-laden coal train. Hart, a father-of-three from Strubby, Lincolnshire, was sentenced to five years in prison for causing the deaths after it emerged he had fallen asleep at the wheel.
Speaking about his new appointment, Chief Insp Iveson said: “I am very pleased to have taken over as Selby Safer Neighbourhood Commander from Acting Chief Inspector Richard Abbott who, building on the work of Chief Inspector Richard Anderson, guided the team to return excellent performance in terms of overall crime reduction.
“The Selby Safer Neighbourhood Command has a very dedicated and professional team that has a strong reputation for their delivery of service to both residents and visitors alike.
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Hide Ad“I am looking forward to the future and the opportunity to lead the team of police officers, both regular and members of the Special Constabulary, Police Community Support Officers and police staff.
“I know that they will continue to keep the Selby district amongst the safest places to live and work in England.”
Insp Abbott, who has been the acting commander for the district since February, remains with the Selby Safer Neighbourhood Command, returning to his role as inspector of the Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team.