A POLICE officer has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following an independent probe.
PC Mark Burrows, 45, was driving an unmarked patrol car in Royton, Oldham, while pursuing a suspected stolen vehicle when he ploughed into a mum Heather Smedley’s car.
PADriver Heather Smedley, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene[/caption]
MEN MediaCops were chasing a different vehicle when Mrs Smedley’s car was hit[/caption]
MEN MediaPictures show debris on the road where the crash unfolded[/caption]
The 53-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene on December 23 2022.
The cop is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court tomorrow following an investigation into the incident by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Shortly after 10am, an unmarked police car being driven by the officer, had been in pursuit of an Audi A3 that officers believed to be stolen, and collided with Ms Smedley’s Peugeot 108 at the junction of Oldham Road and Otmoor Way.
Paramedics and an air ambulance attended and treated the driver.
A statement from IOPC said: “We began our investigation after receiving a mandatory referral from GMP in December 2022.
“At the end of our investigation in October 2023 we sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of any potential criminal offence.
“The CPS subsequently authorised the charge last month.”
In an emotional tribute released following her death, Ms Smedley’s devastated family remembered her “beautiful smile”.
They said: “To the most wonderful mother to Benjamin, Olivia and Jamie, daughter to Hilda and Fred, sister, friend, and wife to Damian.
“The world was a much better place with you in it.
“Our mum was the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out.
“She faced all of life’s challenges with her beautiful smile, and her bravery and courage never wavered.
“We could not have asked for a better role model growing up, giving everything, she had to all of those she loved, and always supporting those around her.
“She was the glue that held our family together. Her resilience and kindness inspired us all to be better.
“She had the greatest sense of humour and contagious laugh that we will miss every single day.
“You were too good for this world Mum, there will be a hole in our hearts forever.”
Chris Bowen, Chief Superintendent of GMP’s Oldham district, said at the time: “Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of the woman that has sadly passed.
“We understand that the public are concerned by incidents of this nature.
“In-line with normal procedure, referrals have been made to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
“Investigations like this often result in road closures which can cause significant disruption and we thank the local community and road users for their patience.”
MEN MediaThe incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct[/caption]
MEN MediaPolice are investigating the incident[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
