Police driver cleared over death of mother-of-three in Oldham
PC Mark Burrows was pursuing a stolen car when he crashed into Heather Smedley's car
A police officer has been cleared of causing the death of a mother-of-three during his pursuit of a stolen vehicle.
Pc Mark Burrows, 46, was driving an unmarked police car chasing an Audi A3 when he crashed into a Peugeot 108 driven by Heather Smedley, 53, in Royton, Oldham, Greater Manchester, on December 23 2022.
On Thursday, Burrows, of Reddish, Stockport, was cleared by a jury at Chester Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving.
In July 2023, Marcel Doyle, the driver of the stolen Audi, was jailed for 14 years and 11 months after he admitted causing death by dangerous driving.
The officer in Greater Manchester Police’s tactical vehicle intercept unit was charged with the same offence following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Following the verdicts, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Chris Sykes said: “Mark Burrows went to work that day like any other day – intent on serving the public and keeping them safe from those who seek to do harm.
“It is nothing short of tragic that an innocent woman died in the course of those duties. My thoughts are with Heather Smedley’s loved ones who continue to mourn her devastating loss.
“Only one man was responsible for Heather’s death that day and he’s already behind bars.
“The impact of this incident on Pc Burrows is lifelong and has been compounded by a criminal investigation. It is important officers are held to account for their actions, but are not fearful of the consequences of putting themselves in harm’s way.
“Our highly trained pursuit drivers are some of the thousands of brave and skilled officers who routinely face dangerous and difficult situations to protect the public. They have my full support in continuing to use their specialist training to confront danger and keep you safe.”
Following her death, Mrs Smedley’s family paid tribute to “the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out”.