Wiltshire police officer facing criminal investigation over fatal crash

17 year-old Jamie Donnelly died on January 2.

Author: Harry LongPublished 1st Feb 2024

A police officer is under investigation on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a teenager died in a car crash during a police chase in Swindon.

It happened on January 2.

17 year-old Jamie Donnelly was killed when a Vauxhall Astra crashed on a roundabout while being followed by a Wiltshire Police vehicle.

The IOPC said the unnamed constable, who was driving the police vehicle, was under criminal investigation for causing death by dangerous driving.

They have also been served with a gross misconduct notice for potentially breaching police standards of professional behaviour.

Both officers in the police vehicle sustained minor injuries.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: "We have been in contact with Jamie Donnelly's family to express our sympathy for their sad loss and to explain how our investigation will be carried out.

"Our investigation is at an early stage and is considering whether officers acted in accordance with local and national policies and their training.

"Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service and we will also determine whether any disciplinary proceedings should follow for a police driver."

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