Nicholas Lovatt, a veteran officer with Derbyshire Police, was fired following a disciplinary hearing on 2/9. The dismissal came after he was found guilty of serious misconduct, including more than 20 traffic violations involving two motorcycles and dishonesty when confronted by colleagues. Lovatt had served with the force since 2001 and had even appeared on Channel 5's "Traffic Cops" program.

According to case files, Lovatt committed 16 violations between 16/9 and 25/11/2025, by driving a motorcycle without insurance, valid registration, or authorization for public road use. This vehicle was registered under a statutory off road notification (SORN), indicating it was not to be used on public roads and was exempt from vehicle tax, typically requiring it to be kept on private land.

In addition to his own motorcycle, Lovatt drove another motorcycle belonging to an acquaintance 6 times in 9/2025 and 10/2025. This second vehicle also had an expired registration and was registered under SORN. In total, Lovatt was found to have committed over 20 violations with these two motorcycles.

The disciplinary action also stemmed from Lovatt's dishonesty. On 25/11/2025, he purchased insurance for his motorcycle. However, the very next day, when stopped by colleagues for a check, Lovatt claimed the vehicle "had not been used on the road for a long time." This statement contradicted records showing he had driven it numerous times over the preceding two months.

Nicholas Lovatt served with Derbyshire Police since 2001 and appeared on Channel 5's Traffic Cops program. Photo: Derbyshire Constabulary

At the hearing, Lovatt admitted to the allegations of driving the vehicles but denied dishonesty or serious misconduct.

Derbyshire Police Chief Simon Blatchly concluded that Lovatt had violated standards of honesty and integrity, and his actions damaged the police force's reputation. Blatchly particularly emphasized the seriousness of the case, given that Lovatt was a traffic police officer who had dedicated most of his career to enforcing traffic laws against others.

The chief stated that a traffic police officer repeatedly driving an uninsured vehicle to police headquarters and then being dishonest when checked by colleagues could severely damage public trust in the force.

Despite receiving positive evaluations throughout his career and being described as well-liked by his colleagues, these factors were deemed insufficient to reduce the disciplinary action. The hearing also noted that the violations coincided with a period when Lovatt was experiencing marital difficulties and separation, but concluded that this offered very limited grounds for mitigation. Ultimately, Blatchly determined Lovatt's conduct constituted serious misconduct and decided on dismissal, stating that no other sanction would suffice to uphold public trust and the professional standards of the police force.

Tue Anh (Mirror, Derbyshire Live)