Greater Manchester Police officer denies killing 'wonderful' mum

PC Mark Burrows is charged with causing the death of Heather Smedley

A police officer has denied causing the death of a mum during a crash in Oldham.

PC Mark Burrows, 45, is accused of killing 53-year-old Heather Smedley days before Christmas in 2022. The charge followed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The IOPC said that an unmarked police car had been in pursuit of an Audi A3 that officers believed was stolen.

The police car collided with a Peugeot 108 at the junction of Oldham Road and Otmoor Way in Royton, the IOPC said.

Ms Smedley, the driver of the Peugeot, died at the scene.

Mr Burrows appeared at Chester Crown Court today (Apr 24) for a plea hearing.

Mr Burrows, wearing a suit and a black tie, pleaded not guilty to causing Ms Smedley's death by dangerous driving. He also denied causing her death by careless driving. A trial has been scheduled for April next year.

Pre-trial matters which cannot be reported were discussed during the hearing, in which prosecutors were represented by John Harrison, and Mr Burrows was represented by Paul Greaney KC.

Judge Steven Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester, granted Mr Burrows, of Broadstone Hall Road, Stockport, unconditional bail.

Paying tribute to Ms Smedley following her death, her family said: "To the most wonderful mother to Benjamin, Olivia and Jamie, daughter to Hilda and Fred, sister, friend, and wife to Damian.

"The world was a much better place with you in it.

"Our mum was the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out. She faced all of life’s challenges with her beautiful smile, and her bravery and courage never wavered.

"We could not have asked for a better role model growing up, giving everything, she had to all of those she loved, and always supporting those around her. She was the glue that held our family together.

“Her resilience and kindness inspired us all to be better. She had the greatest sense of humour and contagious laugh that we will miss every single day. You were too good for this world Mum, there will be a hole in our hearts forever."