A LEADING police ‘special’ in East Lancashire has quit the force after being convicted of causing injuries to a teenage motorcyclist and a 12-year-old passenger after he positioned his car in the path of their bike.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the incident, involving officer Andrew Blades in Burnley, had brought an end to an ‘exemplary’ career in Lancashire’s Special Constabulary.

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The 18-year-old rider and his passenger had both suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision, the court heard.

Blades was in the car with two other special constables and all three were on duty, a previous hearing was told.

Blades, of Verax Street, Bacup, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in relation to the incident on May 22 in Lower Mead Drive, Burnley.

He was ordered to complete 200 hours’ community service and banned from driving for 12 months.

Magistrates also ordered Blades to pay £100 in compensation to each of the riders, a £150 criminal courts charge and £85 court costs. He was also told to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

Dominic Howell, prosecuting, told a previous hearing that even a trained police pursuit driver would not have used a car ‘effectively as a weapon’ to try and stop a motorbike.

Passing sentence, District Judge James Clarke said Blades had carried out a dangerous manoeuvre.

“The prosecution represented it as aggressive driving,” said Judge Clarke.

“I am satisfied that while better could be expected of your driving it was a misjudgement rather than a reckless act.

“Your motivation was positive but your methods left a lot to be desired.”

Police have confirmed that Blades, who had the rank of ‘acting special sergeant, at the time’ resigned and the two other special constables in the car at the time were not subjected to disciplinary procedures as a result of the incident.

He had previously been a specials inspector for Pennine division, before serving for a number of years as a constable.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “Special Sgt Blades resigned from the Constabulary on November 5 following his appearance at the magistrates court, where he admitted an offence of dangerous driving.

“His behaviour on this occasion clearly fell below the high standards expected of officers and staff and which the vast majority live up to on a daily basis.”