PC John Dougal 'will get easy ride'

May 3 2009 by Katy Simpson, Sunday Sun

JAILED police officer PC John Dougal is expected to be protected from inmates by being placed in an open prison or hospital wing, the Sunday Sun can reveal.

The speeding traffic officer has been sentenced to three years behind bars for killing 16-year-old Hayley Adamson while driving at speeds of up to 94mph in a 30mph zone, without using blue warning lights or sirens.

Dougal has already borne the brunt of hostility since being remanded last month, but Hayley’s devastated family have slammed the “easy ride” they believe he will get in prison, fearing he will be given special treatment because of his status as a police officer.

Dean Travis, assistant secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association, confirmed Dougal is most likely to be held in an open prison or a healthcare centre, to prevent him being attacked by other inmates.

Mr Travis said: “Generally, just because he is a police officer, he will still have to go into the system as normal.

“He will probably go up to Durham at first, the same as all prisoners. I’m sure it is a very traumatic prospect for him, it is something he never expected in the profession he is in.

“The healthcare centre is where prisoners go who are suffering from an ailment. Sometimes that is appropriate for somebody of this type of background. We will keep him under close supervision and make sure he is safe from being attacked by other prisoners.