On May 7th, 2026, a jury in Chester Crown Court cleared a Greater Manchester Police Officer of causing death by careless driving and causing death by dangerous driving following a detailed investigation and trial.
In December 2022, mother-of-three Heather Smedley, 53, was killed in an accident on the Oldham Road in Royton. PC Mark Burrows was pursuing a suspected stolen vehicle when his Volkswagen Golf R collided with Mrs. Smedley’s Peugeot 108. She suffered serious injuries and died shortly after being admitted to hospital.
The driver of the stolen Audi A3, Marcel Doyle, was jailed for 14 years and 11 months in July 2023. He had admitted causing death by dangerous driving. However, PC Burrows was also charged with causing death by dangerous driving following an investigation by the IOPC.
The court heard evidence that showed PC Burrows had acted correctly, using emergency his lights and siren during the chase. Mrs. Smedley’s manoeuvre also appears to have been done competently. The judge emphasised that the only person responsible for her death was the driver of the stolen vehicle. He commented that police accountability should not deter them from carrying out their duties, and noted the enormous stress placed upon Burrows following the incident and the investigation that followed.
If you find yourself under investigation for a driving offence such as dangerous driving, solicitors at Auriga Advocates can give expert legal advice, helping you to prepare your defence and guiding you through the complex legal procedure. Get in touch now and we can discuss your situation and give you the support you need.