Two Metropolitan Police officers, PC Edward Welch and former PC Jack Keher, will face a formal investigation for gross misconduct in connection with a tragic car crash that occurred in 2016. The incident resulted in the death of a 10-year-old boy, Makayah McDermott, and his aunt, Rozanne Cooper, as they were struck by a car being pursued by the police in Penge, south-east London.
The officers were involved in the chase of a stolen vehicle when the driver of the stolen car lost control, causing the vehicle to collide with a group of pedestrians. The pursuit ended in a devastating tragedy that shocked the community.
PC Edward Welch faced prosecution for the incident but was subsequently cleared of causing death by dangerous driving. The driver of the stolen car, who also tested positive for drugs, was convicted of manslaughter in 2017.
The upcoming misconduct hearing will investigate allegations against Mr Keher, who was the passenger and operator in the police car during the pursuit. It is alleged that he failed to properly assess or communicate the circumstances of the pursuit to the radio operator control room and did not challenge PC Welch’s driving during the chase.
PC Welch, the driver of the police vehicle, also faces allegations that he failed to adequately assess or communicate the circumstances of the pursuit to the radio operator control room and did not sufficiently evaluate the proportionality of continuing the chase.
Further allegations against both officers include claims that, following the crash, they chose to pursue the driver on foot instead of prioritizing the assessment of casualties or providing first aid to those injured.
If the allegations are proven, PC Edward Welch faces the possibility of dismissal. For Mr. Jack Keher, who is no longer a police officer, the outcome would result in dismissal if he were still in active service. The investigation aims to determine the officers’ conduct during the pursuit and its aftermath, shedding light on the events that led to this tragic loss of life.
