A DRIVER refused to move his van out of the way for an ambulance trying to reach a baby having a fit.
The 37-year-old man, from Littlehampton, instead told paramedics they should go around another way.
He has now apologised after being traced and has been asked to donate money to the baby unit at Brighton’s Royal Sussex County Hospital.
The ambulance had its sirens on and was battling traffic in Buckingham Road, Brighton, at 10.30am on February 13 when it was stalled by the man’s double-parked Mercedes Sprinter.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The ambulance was sounding its sirens and then sounded its horn several times to alert the van driver to its need to get through.
“The driver came back to his van but refused to move and told the ambulance to go round another way.
“After trying to reason with the driver, he eventually slowly moved his van while swearing at the ambulance crew.”
The driver was tracked down using the registration details from the van.
He wrote a letter apologising for his behaviour after the ambulance crew member asked for the issue to be dealt with by community resolution.
He has also been asked to donate £100 to the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at the Royal Sussex.
Inspector Brian McCarthy said: “This man’s behaviour was totally unacceptable and he has admitted it. It’s very satisfying to be able to resolve this case in this way which suited everyone involved.”
The man has not been named as he has not been charged with a criminal offence.
Community resolution is commonly used in cases where the behaviour is uncontested and it is not deemed in the public interest to prosecute.
It is an offence to obstruct emergency workers. It is understood the baby is doing well.
- Do you know the identity of the van driver? Call the newsdesk on 01273 544512 or email news@theargus.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel