A former detective chief inspector has admitted causing the death of an educational psychologist by dangerous driving. Michael Cooper, 54, who previously worked for Derbyshire Police, pleaded guilty to killing 50-year-old James Bane in Etwall, Derbyshire, in September 2021.
Cooper, of Etwall, also admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving to a woman in her 30s who cannot be named for legal reasons, in the same incident. He had previously denied the offenses but changed his plea at Nottingham Crown Court ahead of his trial.
The court heard that Cooper was on duty when he was driving an unmarked Peugeot 208. The incident occurred on Egginton Road, Etwall, around noon on September 28, 2021. An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) led to Cooper being charged.
An inquest previously heard that Mr. Bane, a father-of-two, died from fatal injuries sustained to his pelvis after being struck by the unmarked police vehicle. He was trapped between the police car and his own vehicle.
Cooper was released on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on July 17. He pleaded guilty on the basis that he "accepted it was dangerous for him to drive in the context of his medical history," a basis accepted by the prosecution.
During a discussion about sentencing, Cooper's barrister mentioned his client's son has OCD and requires daily assistance, and that his mother is unwell. Judge Mr. Justice Sweeting imposed an interim six-month driving ban on Cooper, which will count towards his final disqualification.
Mr. Bane was described as an "exceptionally well liked and talented psychologist, with a unique sense of humour" on the British Psychological Society website. A judge had previously granted an application to prevent the publication of the injured woman's name and address due to her being "deeply traumatised" with psychological injuries.