‘No apology from PC three years after my son’s death’

“He still exists in my dreams and in my thoughts, and that won’t change”, said Jens Hölscher, after visiting his son Arthur’s grave to mark three years since he died.

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert, 27, was hit by a police patrol car in Peacehaven, and Mr Holscher says it’s disgraceful that he’s received no apology from the officer who was driving the vehicle.

Sussex PC Christopher Corker, 40, was accused of causing death by dangerous driving, but charges were dropped by the CPS, and he was not convicted of the offence.

He declined to comment when approached by the BBC via Sussex Police Federation.

Mr Hölscher wants to see PC Corker dismissed from the force.

“At least it would be some sort of compensation”, said Mr Hölscher, ahead of a forthcoming gross misconduct hearing.

PC Corker, of Worthing, in West Sussex, was alleged to have knocked down and killed Mr Hölscher-Ermert, a pedestrian, on 30 April 2022.

He pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, and was due to face trial.

However the prosecution said that in light of expert reports there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.

The court was told that the defendant’s actions in steering on to the wrong side of the road would have avoided a collision had the deceased not changed direction.

Mr Hölscher said he’s received no apology or communication of any sort from Sussex Police or PC Corker.

“There was absolutely nothing which I find absolutely disgraceful”, he said.

“It wouldn’t change the facts if he would apologise but at least it would be a gesture.

“An apology would perhaps reduce the level of anger I feel.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said PC Corker, and another officer who was in the car at the time of the crash both face gross misconduct hearings for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour, at a date yet to be set.

“The officers and Mr Hölscher-Ermert’s family are being kept updated,” a statement added.

Also, no date has been set for the inquest into Arthur’s death.

Mr Hölscher said: “At least you want to have the inquest or the misconduct hearing as an absolute minimum, but even that is delayed and delayed, and that is very disturbing.”

He added that he’s been treated for a heart condition which his doctor has told him was caused by the trauma and ongoing stress of the ordeal.

In a statement Sussex Police said: “We offer our sincere condolences to Mr Hölscher-Ermert’s family and friends.

“We await further direction from the IOPC and it would be inappropriate to comment further while these proceedings are ongoing.”

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