Woman jailed over tragic PC crash in Birkenhead
A woman's been jailed for a year over a tragic accident in Birkenhead - which has left a police officer in a coma.
A woman has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for causing a traffic collision in Birkenhead which left a police officer in a coma. Constable Paul Briggs was riding his motorbike along the Birkenhead flyover last July when Chelsea Rowe’s oncoming Nissan Micra collided with his motorcycle head on. Paul, 43, was knocked from his bike and suffered serious multiple injuries. The married father-of-one remains seriously ill in hospital a year on from the incident. Rowe, aged 26, from Bidston, was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Collision investigators from Merseyside Police found that her Nissan Micra had been in Paul’s lane at the point of impact. She has never been able to account for why. Rowe initially denied the offence and had been due to stand trial in August but changed her plea to guilty in May this year. Speaking after her sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Merseyside Police Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Nikki Holland said: “This incident was a catastrophe for everyone involved. Paul was riding his motorbike into work where he was about to start a night shift when, for reasons that we will perhaps never know, Chelsea’s car strayed into his lane causing a head-on collision. Paul suffered massive multiple injuries, including a severe head injury which, despite wearing a helmet, has resulted him remaining in a coma ever since. “I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak and anguish this has caused Paul’s wife, Lindsey, and the confusion and upset this has caused their little girl Ella. Paul’s wider family, his friends and his colleagues have all been left utterly devastated too and the future remains uncertain for all his loved ones due to his condition in hospital. “Paul was simply on his way into work when this happened. He was a keen and proficient motorcyclist who rode his bike regularly. He had waved his family goodbye and set off for Liverpool where he worked as a traffic patrol officer at Smithdown Lane police station. “He had joined the police to help others in need having previously been a soldier and colleagues regarded him as a selfless, experienced and reliable team mate who always gave his best in a job that he loved. “If ever there was a case that reminded us all of the importance of our responsibilities when we are behind the wheel of a car and of the importance of being aware of the road ahead and of other road users it is this one. “We will continue to do all we can for Paul’s wife, their daughter and his work colleagues during the incredibly difficult weeks and months ahead.”