GMP statement after officer acquitted of causing mum’s death

On Thursday (May 7), PC Mark Burrows was found not guilty by a jury following a trial at Chester Crown Court which lasted seven days.

PC Burrows had been accused of causing death by dangerous driving after fatally crashing with mum-of-three Heather Smedley in Oldham on December 23, 2022, as he pursued a stolen car.

Now, following his acquittal, GMP have issued a statement defending PC Burrows, saying he is not responsible for the death of Mrs Smedley.

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Assistant Chief Constable 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.

Heather Smedley died two days before Christmas Day (Image: GMP)

“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.”

In 2023, Marcel Doyle, who was driving the stolen car, was sentenced to 14 years and 11 months in prison for causing Mrs Smedley’s death due to dangerous driving.

PC Burrows was pursuing a stolen Audi A3 on Oldham Road, Heyside, travelling at speeds of up to 80mph.

Doyle overtook several vehicles close to the junction with Otmoor Way, with PC Burrows performing the same manoeuvre. However, at the same time, Mrs Smedley began turning into Otmoor Way.

While the car being driven by Doyle narrowly avoided crashing into Mrs Smedley, PC Burrows’s car fatally crashed into her.

During an emotional testimony, a tearful PC Burrows told the court he believed Mrs Smedley had seen his car and that she was yielding to let him overtake her.

He added that once he realised Mrs Smedley’s car was turning into his path, he immediately hit the brakes.