PC Jon Odell - Kent Police - Police Memorials on Waymarking.com

A roadside memorial placed in 2002 by the Police Memorial Trust in Shottendane Road, Margate, commemorating PC Jon Odell of Kent Police.

PC Jon Odell was one of 7 Police Officers stationed at Margate Police Station in Kent who were in Shottendane Road, Margate on a road check as part of a pre Christmas Drink Drive Campaign. Just after midnight on 19th December 2000 a speeding Vauxhall Astra motor car came towards the officers. PC Odell, wearing a reflective coat and white cap and using a hand held speed radar gun, took up a position to one side of Shottendane Road and pointed it towards the approaching car. The Astra was travelling at 52 mph in a 30 mph limit. Despite it being just after midnight, the conditions were clear and well lit, PC Odell and the officers were visible from the car at 220 meters., plenty of time for the driver to slow and stop. The driver failed to stop for the officers, despite PC Odell moving into the road signalling for it to stop. The car struck PC Odell and carried him along the road for 50 yards. The car driver failed to stop and later dumped the car in Margate. PC Jon Odell died from his injuries 4 hours later in hospital.

48 hours later the driver gave himself up to Police. Wayne Rule, aged 25,who had over 50 previous criminal convictions, including 4 previous disqualifications from driving a motor car. It was because RULE was driving whilst disqualified when PC Odell attempted to stop him that night that he ran him over to avoid being held in custody over Christmas. Following his trial, Rule was convicted of the manslaughter of PC Jon Odell and received a 9 year custodial sentence. He was released from prison after just 5 years. Sadly ironic to many, he received a further (5th) driving ban, for 15 years, six more years than he received for the manslaughter of PC Jon Odell.

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