Man who stopped female driver sentenced for impersonating police officer

A man who used blue lights to pull over a woman driving her vehicle in a “concerning” incident has been sentenced, police said.

Chris Green, 32, of Nursery Close, Peterborough, illuminated a blue LED light in the windscreen of his car in Longsplatt, Corsham, Wiltshire, on May 6 last year.

Wiltshire Police said Green claimed to be a police officer working for an undercover crime unit and challenged the woman on her driving.

The force said Green then noticed the woman’s son in the car with her and left the scene.

Following the incident, the woman immediately contacted Wiltshire Police and officers were able to track and locate Green.

Green was charged and later convicted of impersonating a police officer following a trial on May 9.

He appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, police said.

The defendant was also required to pay £620 costs and a £154 surcharge.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Matt Smith said: “This is a very concerning and unsettling incident for the victim involved, who had every reason to believe she was being stopped by a genuine police officer.

“Fortunately, Green left the scene and the victim immediately called the police, which allowed us to locate Green quickly and arrest him.

“We appreciate the significant community impact that incidents like this have, particularly for women.

“If you do have concerns over whether an officer you are dealing with is genuine, there are quick steps you can take to check their identity.

“You can either call us on 101, or if you feel it is an emergency then call 999.

“Our officers will always understand if you wish to verify their identity with Wiltshire Police control room.

“I’d also ask anyone who thinks they have been victim of a similar incident to please call us on 101.”