Fined for helping road crash victim

CCTV footage of the crash

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Police forced to apologise over error

A GOOD Samaritan was sent a £457 bill to clean up the mess caused by a crash — even though she had only stopped to help the victim.


Tammy Devine (36) of Fitton Hill stopped to help a woman almost killed by an out-of-control car in August. Mother-of-two Tammy helped the terrified woman and stayed with her until emergency services arrived.

But a police error then led to her receiving a letter from Oldham Council’s Neighbourhoods and Highways Department, demanding she pay a fine to cover the clean-up of debris from the crash.

Tammy said: “It was absolutely horrible when I opened the letter. I hadn’t been involved in a crash.

“When I called the council they mentioned Ashton Road and I was shocked - I stopped to help someone.”

The letter from the council claimed Tammy’s Vauxhall Corsa had been involved in the crash - even though a police spokesman at the time said the cars involved were a blue Audi and a black Mercedes.

Adter weeks of asking, Tammy finally received an apology and explanation from the police yesterday - after the Chronicle had contacted them.

Oldham Council confirmed they acted on information given by police.

A GMP spokesman said: “We can confirm Tammy Devine had no involvement in the collision.

“Officers had taken the details of all the vehicles present, which included Miss Devine’s car. The details were passed to Oldham Council.

“Greater Manchester Police would like to offer its sincere apologies to Miss Devine for any distress and inconvenience this may have caused.”