A former senior police officer is set to appear in court over a fatal crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian and seriously injured another in Etwall, Derbyshire, nearly four years ago.
Michael Cooper, who was a detective chief inspector with Derbyshire Police at the time, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The charges stem from a tragic incident on 28 September 2021, when 50-year-old James Bane was killed and a female pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on Egginton Road in Etwall.
Cooper, now aged 50, will face the charges at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The charges follow a thorough investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which subsequently passed evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. After reviewing the evidence, the CPS authorised the charges against Cooper.
The crash has had a profound impact on the local community, with floral tributes left at the scene in memory of Mr Bane. The tragic incident has left residents of Etwall in mourning, and the case continues to draw significant attention as it moves through the legal system.
