The Motorcycle Action Group fully support the family of Mark Gibney, the motorcyclist fatally injured in a tragic accident, whose images were disclosed to journalists by North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom.
Such a crass and insensitive tactic to sensationalise a ‘road safety’ message without the consent and support of the family can never be justified under any circumstances.
The public have become used to a certain degree of shock tactics where the police, with full consent of families, disclose images to the press to demonstrate the potential consequences of some accidents, drug abuse and other social ills. However, to do so without any consideration of the feelings of the families and loved ones demonstrates a catastrophic lack of judgement and ethical conduct.
The Motorcycle Action Group have been inundated with telephone calls and e-mails from MAG members expressing disgust at the Chief Constables actions, demanding that action should be taken. This abhorrence is also reflected in the wider motorcycling community.
In recognition of this deep felt injustice the Motorcycle Action Group will be making representations on behalf of the MAG membership and the wider biking community to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, the North Wales Police Authority and the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
MAG Campaigns Manager David Short said, “Richard Brunstrom seems to delight in courting controversy in his personal road safety crusade. This latest demonstration of the tactics he considers legitimate is a serious misjudgement and has far reaching ethical implications. It is totally unacceptable. Our sympathies go to Mark’s family and loved ones. They can be assured of the full support of MAG.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
- You can vote in MAGs Poll on Brunstrom and email MAG using the Feedback Form to register your concerns. This will add weight to the official letters from MAG to HMIC, Police Authority and IPCC.
- Website Here
For further information contact: David Short
Tel: +44 (0) 1347 822214
Mobile: +44 (0) 7738 948080
E-mail: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org
Issued by
Trevor Baird
Director of Public Affairs
The UK’s Leading Riders’ Rights Organisation