Police officer cleared over woman's crash death

A police officer has been cleared of causing a woman's death after her car was hit by his unmarked police car during his pursuit of a stolen vehicle.

Greater Manchester Police constable Mark Burrows, 46, was chasing an Audi A3 when he crashed into a Peugeot 108 driven by Heather Smedley, 53, in Royton, Oldham on 23 December 2022.

Burrows, from Reddish, Stockport, was cleared by a jury at Chester Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said the impact of the crash was "lifelong" for Burrows and his thoughts were with Heather's loved ones who "continue to mourn her devastating loss".

"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," Sykes said.

"It is nothing short of tragic that an innocent woman died in the course of those duties."

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.

Sykes added: "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."

Greater Manchester Police had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who ran an investigation into the incident from December 2022 until October 2023, before referring the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The CPS then authorised charges against Burrows in February 2025, which he pleaded not guilty to in April of that year.

Following the conclusion of the trial, IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: "No police officer gets into a vehicle intending to cause harm, but when someone loses their life following contact with the police it is important for there to be a thorough investigation to understand how this has happened."

She said the IOPC's test for referral was a "much lower threshold" than the CPS or jury must apply.

"We thank the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence," she added.

The IOPC said it would now consider the evidence before finalising its decision over potential disciplinary proceedings.

The CPS said it "respected the verdict of the jury", adding that charging decisions were made by applying the same standards to all suspects, regardless of their occupation.

A spokesperson added: "In cases involving police officers, we carefully consider the unique circumstances and the public interest in transparency and accountability.

"Where the evidence meets the threshold for prosecution, it is right that the case is brought before a court so that the facts can be tested in public."

In a tribute given after Heather's death - her family described her as the "most wonderful" mother, daughter and wife.

They said she was the most "kind, gentle, beautiful soul, inside and out" - adding, "she faced all of life's challenges with her beautiful smile, and her bravery and courage never wavered".

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