Police Officer Jailed for Killing Woman in Crash

A 57-year-old police officer has received a two-year-and-three-month sentence after causing the death of a woman in a collision while responding to an emergency. The incident occurred near the Metrocentre in Gateshead in July 2022, according to Teesside Crown Court. Mark Roberts, from Darlington, was driving through a red light at high speed when he struck Ronald and Muriel Pinkney’s motorbike, the court heard.

Roberts admitted to careless driving, describing the event as a “tragic accident,” but was convicted of causing death and serious injury through dangerous driving. The crash happened on 8 July 2022, when he was at Whickham Police Station and responded to a grade one emergency involving a five-week-old baby in Dunston who was having trouble breathing. As he crossed the A1 bridge, he ran a red light at 43mph, hitting the motorbike that had just exited the dual carriageway.

The court stated that Roberts braked sharply but was still traveling at 25–27mph at impact. Despite losing consciousness during the collision, he provided first aid to the Pinkneys until an ambulance arrived. Muriel Pinkney, 74, died from blunt head trauma days later, while her husband required a month of hospital treatment for brain injuries and fractures to his shoulder, leg, and rib cage.

Family’s Statement on the Incident

In a statement read to the court, Dawn Hunter, the Pinkneys’ daughter, described her parents as “inseparable” for 56 years, emphasizing their shared life and joy. She noted that her father had been left with a limp and no longer wished to ride motorcycles, a hobby he had pursued since his teenage years. The couple had purchased a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorbike for joint trips, according to the court.

“We don’t blame the officer for what happened,” Hunter said. “The more we heard about why he was driving the way he was, the more we understood. We didn’t want his life ruined or for him to go to prison for doing his job.”

She also expressed gratitude for Roberts’ apology and his acceptance of careless driving charges, stating the family hoped he would not be convicted of the more severe dangerous driving offense.

Officer’s Background and Judicial Remarks

During the trial, Luke Ponte KC, representing Roberts, highlighted his “devastated” state and his efforts to assist the victims even after losing consciousness. The judge noted Roberts had served 22 years in the Army across Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan before joining Durham Police and later Northumbria Police in 2017.

“He had lived a remarkable life of public service, dedicated to the service of others,” Ponte said.

Judge Francis Laird KC acknowledged Roberts’ training but pointed out his “serious errors.” The judge explained that although emergency responders are allowed to bypass traffic rules, they should still exercise caution. Roberts’ speed at the junction was deemed excessive, and his focus on reaching the emergency site caused him to overlook the motorbike.

“That suggests you deliberately chose not to observe the law and your training,” Laird said, addressing Roberts. “He was so focused on getting to [his destination] he failed to notice the motorbike.”

Roberts was also banned from driving for five years and one month, with the requirement to pass an extended test. Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill expressed condolences to the Pinkney family on behalf of the police force, while also recognizing the officer’s commitment and service.