Mum demands sergeant’s sacking after son’s hit-and-run death

The mother of a man who was killed in a hit-and-run after he was left barely clothed in the street by police said those involved “should have been sacked”.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) went to the home of father-of-six Gareth Roper, 35, in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2022 after his wife reported he was “acting in a strange manner”.

He was taken away to “prevent any further difficulties”, but was de-arrested nine minutes later and left outside the Iceland store in Platt Bridge, Wigan, without any money or his mobile phone, before he was fatally struck.

Sergeant David Wood was ruled by a GMP disciplinary panel to have breached professional standards and was demoted after the incident.

The panel ruled the breach amounted to gross misconduct and he was demoted by the force to the rank of PC.

Joyce King, Mr Roper’s mother, said now PC Wood should have lost his job after “abandoning my son by the roadside”.

Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) director Amanda Rowe said: “Police have a duty of care towards those in their custody and the panel’s findings make it clear that the actions of those involved in Mr Roper’s arrest fell short.”

The panel also found evidence of misconduct against a former sergeant and two PCs involved in the arrest.

As the former sergeant is no longer serving, they will face no further action.

The two PCs will undergo “reflective practice” aimed at improving their performance in future.

Mr Roper was left outside an Iceland store wearing only his boxer shorts after he was de-arrested.

His clothing, which had earlier been handed to officers by a relative, was left on the road close to his feet.

He was barefoot, and had no coat with him.

CCTV then showed the police van and car drive off from Mr Roper.

Twenty-four minutes later, Mr Roper was hit by a Volvo V60 driven by Jamie Evans, 32, as he walked along the centre of the single carriageway in Lily Lane, Bamfurlong.

At approximately 04:16 GMT, a taxi driver noticed Mr Roper lying in the road.

Inquiries found he had been hit by a vehicle and died from his injuries.

The IOPC found that while dealing with Mr Roper in his home, where his six children were present, Sgt Wood had referred to Mr Roper using derogatory and offensive language.

After the investigation finished in 2022, a file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider possible charges against the officers.

No charges were brought.

Ms Rowe said the IOPC investigation had ensured those involved were held accountable.

She said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Roper’s family and loved ones following this tragic incident.

“None of this will erase the suffering of Mr Roper’s loved ones, but I hope this goes some way to helping them get closure.”

Correction 6 November 2025: This article was amended after a previous version incorrectly said the IOPC ruled the officer breached professional standards. It was a GMP panel which made the ruling.