Lessons Learnt (4/6) By Nick Quantrill

(1/6), (2/6), (3/6), (4/6), (5/6), (6/6).

Dawson opened his notebook. He'd have to submit a full report in due course, but his ultimate aim was to be working in the Major Incident Team, alongside people like DS Coleman. If that was to happen, he had to show initiative and judgment. If it meant taking additional notes to aid the process, then that's what he'd do. 'What's your husband's full name, Mrs Mitchell?' 'Gary Mitchell.' She burst into tears. 'We only got married last week.' Jim Wilson comforted her and passed her a tissue. 'No time for a honeymoon, then?'

'Second marriage for both of us, so we decided to wait and have one later in the year. He's been very busy these last few weeks.' Dawson looked to Wilson for confirmation. 'That's right. We've lost a couple of drivers, so it's been all hands to the pump, I'm afraid.' 'Why wasn't your husband at home tonight? Huddersfield's only about 70 miles away, isn't it?'

'He was on a run down the north east coast. He rang me from Newcastle and told me he was heading for Hull first thing tomorrow. He isn't allowed to come home. We're husband and wife, but only really see him at weekends. It's the job.' 'It's the rules, I'm afraid' said Wilson. 'The drivers can only be at the wheel, actually driving that is, for nine hours each day. There's a legal requirement for rest periods, you see. Gary wouldn't have been able to make it home in time, even if it was feasible. Besides, it's the nature of the game, officer. Early starts and move on to the next job. You have to head for the designated truck stops or lay-bys. It's what the job's all about, really.'

'It's what Gary loves about his job, even though it's tough' said Mrs Mitchell. He's been doing it all his life. It's all he knows, really. Despite all his moaning about sleepless nights, he loves it. Being on the road and meeting the other drivers keeps him going. He says all the loading and unloading keeps him fit, which can't be a bad thing, I suppose.'

'He was quite fit, then' asked Dawson, making a note. 'He's doing well for a man in his fifties.' 'I assume these attacks have really have upset him?' asked Dawson, making a note. 'Terribly, but he's not that surprised.' 'Why not?' 'Because all the traditional truck stops are closing down. He's no choice but to sleep in lay-bys, and they're much more dangerous places. Any one can be waiting for you.'

'We tell all our drivers to be extra vigilant in lay-bys. They're not expected to take any chances. The insurance will cover it if need be' said Wilson. 'Do you know if your husband carried a cricket bat in his lorry?' She looked bewildered and shook her head. 'Gary doesn't even like cricket.' Dawson turned to Wilson, who also shook his head. 'I'd hardly tell an employee to carry a weapon, officer. We're a reputable company.' 'I just want to cover all bases. Obviously we're as anxious as you to nail down this gang.'

Continued... Next Page (5/6)

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