Full Breakdown
Police Pursuit Ends in Tragedy: Officer Acquitted in Death of Heather Smedley
5/8/2026, 12:25:33 AM
Fatal Collision During High-Speed Pursuit
On 23 December 2022, PC Mark Burrows, driving an unmarked Volkswagen Golf R for Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, collided with a Peugeot 108 driven by Heather Smedley at the junction of Oldham Road and Otmoor Way in Royton. The impact occurred while Burrows was pursuing Marcel Doyle, who had stolen an Audi A3. Smedley died at the scene.
Background: Pursuit Protocols and the December 2022 Chase
Burrows’ vehicle was equipped with blue lights, siren, and other emergency equipment. Police guidelines warn that “red mist” can descend during high-speed chases, causing drivers to focus narrowly on a target and lose awareness of surrounding hazards. The stolen Audi was travelling at roughly 80 mph in a 30 mph zone, prompting Burrows to accelerate to over 80 mph on the opposite side of the road before applying emergency braking.
Key Figures
- PC Mark Burrows – Officer in the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
- Marcel Doyle – Thief of the Audi A3, later sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving.
- Heather Smedley – 53-year-old mother killed in the collision.
- Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes – Senior GMP official commenting on the incident.
- Jonathan Sandiford KC – Prosecutor who argued Burrows’ driving fell below expected standards.
- Judge Steven Everett – Presiding judge who delivered the not-guilty verdict.
Timeline of Events
- 23 Dec 2022 – Burrows begins pursuit; collision with Smedley’s Peugeot; Smedley dies.
- July 2023 – Marcel Doyle sentenced to 14 years 11 months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
- Trial (date not specified) – Burrows stands trial for the same offence; jury returns a not-guilty verdict; Judge Everett tells him, “You are free to go.”
Data & Statistics
- Stolen Audi A3: ? 80 mph (later recorded at 76 mph) in a 30 mph zone.
- PC Burrows’ Golf: > 80 mph on the opposite side of the road; 64 mph after emergency braking.
- Marcel Doyle’s sentence: 14 years 11 months.
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said Burrows “went to work that day like any other day: intent on serving the public and keeping them safe.” The prosecutor, Jonathan Sandiford KC, contended that Burrows’ driving “fell far below what is to be expected of a competent and careful police officer.” Burrows testified that he activated his emergency lights, applied emergency braking, and was doing his “level best.” Judge Everett concluded the trial by declaring Burrows not guilty.
Criticism & Opposition
The prosecution highlighted several alleged failures: driving at excessive speed, entering the wrong side of the road, and not seeing Smedley’s lawful right turn. Sandiford invoked the “red mist” risk, arguing that the officer’s focus on the suspect compromised awareness of other road users.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are free to go,” — Judge Steven Everett
- “I was doing my level best, like any time I go to work.” — PC Mark Burrows
- “View 4 Images Marcel Doyle (Image: Greater Manchester Police) "It would have been obvious that driving in the way he did would be dangerous.” — Jonathan Sandiford KC
- “Mark Burrows went to work that day like any other day: intent on serving the public and keeping them safe from those who seek to do harm. It is nothing short of tragic that an innocent woman died in the course of those duties. Article continues below” — Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes
- “I immediately applied emergency braking.” — PC Mark Burrows
Implications and Next Steps
The acquittal raises questions about the balance between aggressive pursuit tactics and civilian safety. Police forces are likely to review pursuit guidelines, training, and risk-assessment protocols to mitigate “red mist” scenarios. While no further legal action against Burrows is pending, the case may shape future policy discussions on how specialist pursuit units operate in densely populated areas.
