Overview
- A Chester Crown Court jury, which returned its verdict Thursday, cleared PC Mark Burrows of causing death by dangerous or careless driving.
- The case arose from a December 23, 2022 crash in Royton during a chase of a stolen Audi when his unmarked VW Golf hit Heather Smedley’s Peugeot at Oldham Road and Otmoor Way.
- Court evidence said the Audi was near 80 mph in a 30 zone, CCTV showed it passing on the wrong side, and data put Burrows at 64 mph on impact after braking.
- Prosecutors said his driving fell far below trained standards, as he maintained he used lights and siren, watched for hazards, and braked the moment she turned.
- The case followed an IOPC probe that led to charges, and GMP said one man was responsible for the death, pointing to thief Marcel Doyle’s 14-year, 11-month sentence in July 2023.