Ex-Derbyshire Detective Faces Court Over Fatal Crash
A former Derbyshire Constabulary officer is in hot water. Michael Cooper, 54, once a Detective Chief Inspector, stands accused of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. The shocking crash happened back in 2021 in Etwall.
Serious Charges Hit Former Officer
Cooper will face Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 April. He’s charged under the Road Traffic Act 1988 with:
- Causing death by dangerous driving (Section 1)
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving (Section 2B)
The charges arise from a fatal collision on Egginton Road, Etwall, around noon on 28 September 2021.
Independent Probe Leads to Court Action
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a full investigation following a mandatory referral from Derbyshire Constabulary. After reviewing evidence, the IOPC handed it to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who authorised the charges.
“We carried out a thorough investigation into the incident following standard procedure after a mandatory referral. The evidence was assessed independently, and the CPS has now authorised charges.” – IOPC spokesperson
No further details about the crash or victims have been released.
Case Due at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court
Cooper is set to appear in court tomorrow, when he will formally respond to the charges. This case adds to increasing scrutiny into the conduct of serving and former police officers, especially concerning road safety.
The IOPC remains vigilant, overseeing serious complaints across police forces in England and Wales. We will bring updates as the trial unfolds.
