North East police officer found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving

A police officer responding to an emergency call has been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving after a collision that claimed the life of a motorcycle passenger. PC Mark Roberts, serving with Northumbria Police, was behind the wheel of a marked patrol vehicle when he drove through a red traffic signal and collided with a motorcycle carrying a husband and wife.

The motorcyclist, Ronald Pinkney, and his pillion passenger and wife, Muriel, were thrown from their bike and suffered severe injuries. Tragically, 74-year-old Muriel died from her injuries in the crash, which occurred on July 8, 2022, on Dunston Road in Gateshead close to the Metrocentre.

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57-year-old Roberts stood trial this week at Teesside Crown Court [1], facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving in relation to Muriel Pinkney's death, as well as causing serious injury by dangerous driving to Ronald Pinkney, who was 77 at the time and suffered multiple fractures. On Wednesday, following approximately one hour of jury deliberations, guilty verdicts were delivered on both charges.

Roberts, a Darlington [2] resident, was on active duty in a marked police vehicle at approximately 3pm when he received orders to attend a Grade 1 emergency to assist ambulance personnel following reports of an infant choking. His patrol car's emergency sirens were activated as he made his way to the incident, reports Chronicle Live [3].

Around the same time, Mr and Mrs Pinkney were travelling southbound on the A1 aboard their motorcycle following a day trip to Northumberland, and were nearing traffic signals at Dunston Road.

John Harrison KC, prosecuting, informed the court on Monday: "Mr Pinkney rode up towards Dunston Road at about 20mph. The traffic lights went to green as he rode through them towards Whickham." Advertisement

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"He did not see or hear the defendant's vehicle approach and continued through the lights.

Mr Roberts went through a red light and collided with the side of the bike."

The jury was told that the couple were thrown from the bike, resulting in Mrs Pinkney suffering fatal injuries. Her death was attributed to severe head and neck trauma. Mr Pinkney sustained multiple fractures.

In the aftermath of the crash, police initiated an investigation.

The incident had been recorded by both Mr Pinkney's motorcycle helmet camera and another driver's dash-cam. Both videos were presented to the jury.

The jury was informed that Roberts was driving between 40mph and 56mph when the collision occurred. He had run a red light that had been active for approximately six seconds.

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Just prior to colliding with the Pinkneys' motorbike, Roberts claimed he saw a white van execute an emergency stop.

"I couldn't see anything else before travelling towards the junction," the officer stated in his testimony, which was read aloud in court on Tuesday. "The next thing I recall is there was a bang and both airbags deployed and I hit the windscreen, which knocked me out for a few seconds."

He then noticed two individuals lying on the ground, both wearing crash helmets. After blacking out once more, he received treatment in an ambulance before being transported to hospital.

Police Statement

Assistant Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, Andy Hill, expressed: "I'm fully aware that no words will make the pain of Mr Pinkney, his family and anyone impacted by this tragic incident, any easier. On behalf of Northumbria Police, I wish to express my sincere condolences for your loss.

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"As is standard practice, this incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who carried out an investigation and referred a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of criminal charges.

"Today (Wednesday), that has resulted in PC Mark Roberts being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Teesside Crown Court. He remains suspended at this time and we will be progressing misconduct proceedings. Each and every day we respond to emergencies and thankfully tragedies of this nature are extremely rare.

"Officers are highly-trained and supported to help ensure they keep both themselves and the public safe.

Regrettably, on this occasion the standard of driving fell short of what it is expected which has led to the most devastating of outcomes."

After the guilty verdicts were announced, it was revealed in court that Roberts has been suspended from Northumbria Police.

Judge Francis Laird KC requested a pre-sentence report and informed Roberts that his sentencing will take place on Tuesday, April 7.

He was granted bail until that date.

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References

^ Teesside Crown Court (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Darlington (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
^ Chronicle Live (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
^ For the latest Teesside news direct to your inbox every day, sign up to our free newsletter (www.gazettelive.co.uk)