Cop found guilty over fatal joyride crash that killed aspiring child actor and aunt
High-speed chase ends in tragedy
PC Edward Welch, 35, has been found guilty of gross misconduct following a fatal joyride in Penge, southeast London. On August 31, 2016, Welch pursued Joshua Dobby, who was driving a stolen Ford Focus at 60mph down a 20mph residential street.
The chase ended in disaster when Dobby lost control, mounted the pavement, and struck Rozanne Cooper, 34, and her 10-year-old nephew, Makayah McDermott, killing them both.
Victims with bright futures
Young Makayah was an up-and-coming child actor, recently featured in an Asda advert and lined up for a major TV series role. He had also performed in The Wizard of Oz alongside his sisters. Another child involved suffered serious injuries in the horrific crash.
Police misconduct exposed
Though Welch was cleared of death by dangerous driving in 2022, an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) panel found he failed to properly assess and communicate the risks of the pursuit. The chase was deemed disproportionate given the busy, school holiday street packed with pedestrians and traffic.
Welch claimed he used lights and sirens to warn the public, but the panel disagreed, citing poor judgment and a disregard for public safety. Former officer Jack Keher, also involved in the chase, faced similar findings but faced no sanctions as he no longer serves.
Aftermath and accountability
IOPC Regional Director Mel Palmer said:
“Our thoughts remain with the families of Makayah and Rozanne who sadly lost their lives. Officers must carefully assess risks before and during pursuits to ensure public safety. Pursuing a stolen car at three times the speed limit in a crowded area was unjustified and reckless.”
Welch received a final written warning. Meanwhile, Dobby, son of wealthy pet food wholesaler Mark Dobby, was jailed for 12 years in 2017 after manslaughter convictions. He had no driving licence and 53 prior convictions.
The heart-breaking deaths have sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about police pursuit protocols and public safety.
