Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

PC Burrows Acquitted; Audi Thief Gets 14-Year-11-Month Sentence

5/8/2026

39 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

PC Mark Burrows was found not guilty of causing Heather Smedley’s death in the Royton crash on 23 December 2022.
Prosecutors said Burrows drove dangerously, missed Smedley’s right-turn and breached police-driving standards, while he testified he used lights, siren, centred his car and applied emergency brakes.
Marcel Doyle, the Audi thief, received a 14-year 11-month sentence in July 2023 for causing death by dangerous driving.

1 of 1

Story summary

PC Mark Burrows was found not guilty of causing Heather Smedley’s death in the Royton crash on 23 December 2022.
Prosecutors said Burrows drove dangerously, missed Smedley’s right-turn and breached police-driving standards, while he testified he used lights, siren, centred his car and applied emergency brakes.
Marcel Doyle, the Audi thief, received a 14-year 11-month sentence in July 2023 for causing death by dangerous driving.