The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently conducting an investigation into the actions of Wiltshire Police leading up to a fatal road traffic collision just off the M4 at junction 15 near Swindon.
The incident occurred when a Vauxhall Astra, pursued by Wiltshire Police, collided with a traffic island at the end of a slip road off the motorway around 10.50 pm on Tuesday, 2nd January. Tragically, 17-year-old Jamie Donnelly, an occupant in the Astra, lost his life at the scene.
The IOPC’s involvement began after receiving notification from Wiltshire Police, prompting investigators to be dispatched to the scene and the subsequent police post-incident procedure to commence evidence gathering.
It has been determined that just minutes before the collision, three police vehicles unsuccessfully attempted a controlled stop of the Astra through a boxing-in manoeuvre on the M4.
The pursuit continued eastbound on the M4, with emergency lights and sirens activated. Exiting the motorway at Junction 15, both the Astra and a police vehicle went through a red light at the end of the slip road, resulting in a collision with a traffic island. Both officers in the police vehicle sustained minor injuries.
The constable driving the police vehicle involved in the crash has been informed that they are under criminal investigation for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving. Additionally, the officer has been served with a gross misconduct notice for potentially breaching police standards of professional behaviour.
The IOPC’s investigation is delving into the actions and decisions of the police officers and staff involved in the pursuit, encompassing the authorisation, planning, and implementation of containment tactics. Statements from the involved officers, police dashcam footage, and radio transmissions are being reviewed as part of the evidence-gathering process.
Derrick Campbell, the IOPC Regional Director, conveyed condolences to Jamie Donnelly’s family, expressing sympathy for their profound loss. He outlined that the investigation is in its early stages, assessing whether officers adhered to local and national policies and their training.
Campbell stated, “Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service, and we will also determine whether any disciplinary proceedings should follow for a police driver.”
Thames Valley Police is also undertaking a parallel criminal investigation into the driving of the Astra, and a man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on bail.
