Latest news with #HeatherSmedley
BBC News
24-04-2025
- BBC News
Oldham: Police driver denies causing death of mum-of-three
A police driver who crashed into a mother-of-three's car while chasing a suspected stolen vehicle has appeared in court accused of causing her death by dangerous Burrows, 45, an officer with Greater Manchester Police, was excused from standing in the dock at Chester Crown Court as two charges were put to Burrows, from Reddish, Stockport, pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Heather Smedley, 53, by dangerous driving and not guilty to a second charge of causing her death by careless defendant, who spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas, was given unconditional bail until a trial date set for 27 April 2026. Mr Burrows was at the wheel of an unmarked police car pursuing an Audi A3 that was suspected to have been stolen when the police car crashed into a Peugeot 108 driven by Ms died at the scene of the crash, which happened at about 10:00 GMT on 23 December 2022 on Oldham Road and Otmoor Way in her death, Ms Smedley's family paid tribute to "the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out".A further pre-trial hearing will be held on 15 August. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police officer charged after mum died in crash
A police officer has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a mum was killed when her vehicle was hit by an unmarked police car. Heather Smedley, 53 died after the police vehicle - which was chasing a suspected stolen car in Royton, Oldham on 23 December 2022 - collided with her Peugeot 108. Police constable Mark Burrows of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been charged after the force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The 45-year-old is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. An IOPC spokesperson said Mr Burrows had been pursuing what was believed to be a stolen Audi at about 10:00 GMT in the unmarked police car. During the chase, the police car collided with a Peugeot 108 being driven by Ms Smedley at the junction of Oldham Road and Otmoor Way. The mother-of-three died at the scene despite the treatment from paramedics and the arrival of an air ambulance. After her death, Mrs Smedley's family paid tribute, in a statement released by GMP, to "the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out". The IOPC said its investigation, which began following a referral from the force in December 2022, ended in October 2023. It said a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of any potential criminal offence, and the CPS authorised the charge in February this year. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Greater Manchester Police
The Independent
10-03-2025
- The Independent
Police officer charged with causing woman's death by dangerous driving
A police driver who crashed into a woman's car while pursuing a suspected stolen vehicle has been charged with causing her death by dangerous driving. The unmarked police car being driven by the officer was pursuing an Audi A3 that was suspected to have been stolen when the police car crashed into a Peugeot 108 in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The Peugeot's driver, 53-year-old Heather Smedley, died at the scene, at the junction of Oldham Road and Otmoor Way on December 23 2022. PC Mark Burrows has been charged with causing her death by dangerous driving following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog said the 45-year-old officer, who serves with Greater Manchester Police, is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. The IOPC said its investigation, which began following a referral from the force in December 2022, ended in October 2023. It said a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of any potential criminal offence, and the CPS authorised the charge in February this year. The collision happened shortly after 10am and mother-of-three Mrs Smedley was treated at the scene for her injuries but died. After her death, Mrs Smedley's family paid tribute, in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police, to 'the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out'.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police officer charged with causing woman's death by dangerous driving
A police driver who crashed into a woman's car while pursuing a suspected stolen vehicle has been charged with causing her death by dangerous driving. The unmarked police car being driven by the officer was pursuing an Audi A3 that was suspected to have been stolen when the police car crashed into a Peugeot 108 in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The Peugeot's driver, 53-year-old Heather Smedley, died at the scene, at the junction of Oldham Road and Otmoor Way on December 23 2022. PC Mark Burrows has been charged with causing her death by dangerous driving following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog said the 45-year-old officer, who serves with Greater Manchester Police, is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. The IOPC said its investigation, which began following a referral from the force in December 2022, ended in October 2023. It said a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of any potential criminal offence, and the CPS authorised the charge in February this year. The collision happened shortly after 10am and mother-of-three Mrs Smedley was treated at the scene for her injuries but died. After her death, Mrs Smedley's family paid tribute, in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police, to 'the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out'.
