Northumbria PC from Darlington admits causing death of woman by careless driving

A police officer from Darlington has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a 74 year old woman in a collision near Gateshead Metrocentre - by careless driving.

But PC Mark Roberts, 56, denied the more serious charge of causing the death by dangerous driving of Muriel Pinkney, in the crash on July 8th, 2022.

She was a passenger on a motorbike travelling on Dunston Road, Gateshead, when it was in a collision with a marked police vehicle.

Roberts also admitted causing serious injury to Ronald Pinkney by careless driving.

Mr Pinkney was 77 at the time of the collision and suffered multiple fractures.

The officer denied the more serious charge of causing serious injury to Mr Pinkney by dangerous driving.

Roberts, wearing a suit and overcoat, appeared at Durham Crown Court to admit the two charges and to enter not guilty pleas to the other two.

The Northumbria Police officer, who lives in Darlington, was told that the prosecution intended to proceed to trial on the two charges that he denies.

A five-day trial date was provisionally set for May 2026 and he was granted unconditional bail.

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