Crown Prosecution Service reviews potential charges in fatal police collision

Prosecutors are evaluating whether to file charges against a police officer whose patrol vehicle struck and killed a woman in Liverpool on Christmas Eve. Rachael Moore, aged 22, was fatally struck on Sheil Road, Kensington, on December 24, 2022, while returning home from her work as a carer. The single-crewed Merseyside Police vehicle, which was responding to an emergency call, collided with Ms Moore as she was crossing the road at 20:09 GMT. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that it has submitted a file containing evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for their review regarding potential charges. In February 2023, the IOPC had announced its investigation into possible offenses of causing death by dangerous driving. This inquiry, initiated after Merseyside Police referred themselves to the oversight body, has now reached its conclusion. An IOPC spokesperson stated: “As part of our enquiries, we reviewed body worn footage, CCTV footage, police incident and scene logs, obtained accounts from officers and witnesses and the officer driving the vehicle was interviewed under criminal caution.” The collected evidence was transferred to the CPS in April of the current year. During an inquest into her death held in 2023, it was revealed that the police officer attempted to assist Ms Moore prior to the arrival and intervention of paramedics; however, she succumbed to her injuries at the location. Following her death, Ms Moore’s family characterized her as a “cherished daughter” and a “caring friend to many”. They also expressed their “fully supported” the IOPC investigation and appealed for any witnesses to present themselves.