Death crash PC to face charges

Sep 30 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

THE family of Hayley Adamson last night welcomed the decision to prosecute the police officer involved in the accident that resulted in her death.

PC John Dougal has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving by the Crown Prosecution Service after an initial investigation by the Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC).

Hayley, 16, was killed last May when she was hit by a police car on Denton Road, Scotswood, Newcastle, driven by PC Dougal, 40, as he went to investigate a suspected stolen vehicle in Newcastle’s West End.

She died at the scene in front of her distressed friends as they returned home from a night out.

The Sacred Heart High School pupil had been due to sit a GCSE exam the day after her death.

There was a hostile reaction from local people in the aftermath of the incident, in which police were pelted with bricks, and Hayley’s family called for justice for the youngster.

The IPCC report, which contains crucial information about the circumstances of the crash, will now not be published until after the court case.

Chris Enzor, chief prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service in Durham, said: “Following a thorough investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, I confirm my decision to charge PC John James Dougal with causing death by dangerous driving.

“In relation to another officer who was driving a second patrol car behind PC Dougal’s vehicle, I have decided that there is not sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

“My thoughts are with Hayley’s family at this difficult time.”

Hayley’s mother was too distressed to talk to the media last night but the family released a statement through their solicitor.

Brian Heggarty of David Gray Solicitors, said: “As part of the investigation the family have been anxious to get as many facts as possible into what happened. They are pleased that the officer will now have to answer for his actions in a criminal court.”

Last night neighbours and friends of Hayley spoke of how the tragedy was still fresh in all their minds.

Chantel Morns, 21, one of Hayley’s best friends, told The Journal: “I still miss her and I’m glad it looks like she may get justice.”

Another neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I just feel so sorry for her family. Her mother has been devastated by this and she just isn’t the same. It has dragged on for so long.

“They have planted some beautiful flowers in the garden so they have something to remember her by.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Northumbria Police Jim Campbell said: “Northumbria Police deeply regrets the loss of a young life and we continue to share the sadness felt by the whole community.

“We note the decision of the CPS to charge the officer who was driving the vehicle that hit Hayley with death by dangerous driving.

“He is currently suspended pending the outcome of the court case. We are unable to comment on the specifics of the allegations relating to the court case until it is concluded.

“Our neighbourhood teams value greatly our close working relationships with local people who help us in policing the area and the officers on the streets of Scotswood today are the neighbourhood officers who are known to local people.

“The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Hayley’s death was a completely independent one – no Northumbria officers were involved. It was conducted by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.”

Russ Watson, chairman of the Northumbria Police Federation, said: “The federation will continue to support this officer during the legal process which has resulted from this tragic accident. All papers relating to the case will be sent to the crown court. I would like to extend our sympathies to Hayley’s family.”

The family are pleased that the officer will now have to answer for his actions in a criminal court