World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
Essex Police apologise after officers joked about Paul Hardcastle's son's death
Paul Hardcastle Jr, 35, died in a crash during a police pursuit on the A414 near Ongar on 12 January.
His motorcycle collided with a van after officers pursued him when he failed to stop in Ongar High Street.
Three female constables who arrived after the crash were recorded joking about his death on body-worn video.
The police watchdog found officers had behaved properly during the pursuit, but the footage showed the later remarks were insensitive.
Essex Police apologised to the family and said the comments were unacceptable.
The officers received reflective practice, described as the lowest form of censure in policing.
His father is pressing for more serious misconduct proceedings over their conduct.
Essex Police apologised after officers were captured on body-worn video joking about the death of musician Paul Hardcastle’s son.
Paul Hardcastle Jr, 35, died when his motorcycle collided with a van while he was being pursued by police near Ongar on 12 January.
Three female constables who were not involved in the pursuit attended the scene afterwards and were recorded joking about his death.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct found that officers behaved properly during the pursuit.
Hardcastle said he wanted more serious misconduct proceedings, while the force said the officers’ behaviour had been addressed.
- Who
- Paul Hardcastle Jr died in the crash. Three female Essex Police constables were recorded joking about his death.
- What
- Essex Police apologised after the officers’ remarks were captured on body-worn video.
- When
- Hardcastle Jr died on 12 January. The apology was reported on 23 October 2026.
- Where
- The crash happened on the A414 at Bobbingworth, near Ongar.
- Why
- The police pursuit began after a motorcycle failed to stop for officers in Ongar High Street.
Paul Hardcastle
Essex Police
Misconduct response
Paul Hardcastle
Hardcastle said the officers received only reflective practice, which he called a box-ticking exercise, and is pushing for more serious misconduct proceedings.
Essex Police
Essex Police said the officers’ behaviour was addressed directly and apologised for the distress caused.
Paul Hardcastle Jr died after his motorcycle collided with a van while he was being pursued by police near Ongar.
An inquest opening heard that Hardcastle Jr died from chest and abdominal injuries at about 18:40 GMT on the A414 at Bobbingworth.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct began an investigation and found the officers behaved properly in the pursuit.
Essex Police apologised after footage of officers joking about Hardcastle Jr’s death was reported.
- Age
- Paul Hardcastle Jr was 35.
- Crash location
- A414 at Bobbingworth, near Ongar.
- Crash date
- 12 January.
- Time of death
- About 18:40 GMT.
- Officers recorded
- Three female constables who were not involved in the chase attended afterwards.
3 sources
What people are saying
I offer an unreserved apology to Mr Hardcastle's family for the profound distress these remarks have caused.
needless, insensitive and unacceptable
It was the constant laughing and sniggering. There was no respect.
How do they treat members of the public who are alive if that's how they treat the dead?