Hero Cops Honoured for Bravery at Fatal M1 Crash
Two Thames Valley Police officers have been recognised for their outstanding bravery after a deadly crash on the M1 motorway.
Chief Constable John Campbell awarded PC Matt Diduca and PC Colin Riley at a ceremony held at the Cotswold Hotel and Spa in Chipping Norton.
Walking Into Danger to Save Lives
On the night of 9 August last year, PC Diduca and PC Riley responded to a horrific collision between a car and a lorry. The incident caused a massive tailback, forcing PC Diduca to reach the scene on foot.
When he arrived, PC Diduca found two critically injured victims, who later tragically died. Despite the chaos, he took control of the distraught driver — a mother — and began assessing the scene under incredible pressure.
PC Riley soon joined him, and together they managed the complex and dangerous motorway scene for around 30 minutes until backup arrived.
Top Praise from Police Bosses
“This was an extremely upsetting and emotionally charged collision for all involved,” said Sergeant Daniel Collett from the Joint Roads Policing Unit. “The actions of both PC Diduca and PC Riley in dealing with the initial scene and the shaken mother were of the highest standard.”
Drink-Driving Tragedy Ends in Jail
Mary McCann, 35, from Bamford Avenue, Derby, was sentenced to four years and one month in prison for causing death by careless driving while under the influence.
She was also banned from driving for over seven years following the fatal crash.
