A former top detective, Michael Cooper, has been jailed for causing the death of a dedicated father-of-two after a fatal crash. Cooper, a Detective Chief Inspector, had for years ignored medical advice warning against driving, ultimately leading to the tragic death of James Bane.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that Cooper, 55, formerly of Derbyshire Constabulary, used an unmarked police car “like his own personal vehicle”. A neurologist advised him in 2009 to inform the DVLA about previous blackouts. He failed to tell the DVLA, his employer, or his insurance company, Derbyshire Live reported.
The deadly collision occurred on September 28, 2021, in Egginton Road, Etwall, Derbyshire. Cooper was not wearing a seat belt and had been on a phone call just five seconds before his vehicle struck 50-year-old Nottingham psychologist James Bane, killing him, and seriously injuring a second pedestrian.
Mr Bane’s widow expressed her prolonged anguish in a victim impact statement. She felt “trapped in this truly hideous no man’s land” while awaiting justice. Mr Justice Sweeting KC sentenced Cooper to three years and seven months, calling Mr Bane’s death a “wholly avoidable tragedy.”
The judge noted Cooper knew of his unexplained blackouts for many years. He continued driving despite being advised against it, accepting the risk of losing consciousness at the wheel. “You chose to run the risk you might blackout at the wheel of a motor car without warning,” Mr Justice Sweeting KC stated.
Prosecutor Samuel Skinner detailed the events. Mr Bane was supervising a doctorate student at Etwall Primary School that morning. Around 11:30 am, they were talking by their parked cars. Cooper, though rostered for duty, left Etwall Leisure Centre in his police car at that time.
Cooper’s journey was brief, lasting only about a minute before the impact. He made a call to his girlfriend from his Apple iPhone or smart watch, not using the car’s hands-free system. This call ended roughly five seconds before the crash.
Witnesses observed Cooper driving impatiently, then saw his car accelerate and swerve left. He hit the second victim at 28mph, then crushed Mr Bane between the parked vehicles. Cooper, due to not wearing a seat belt, hit his head and appeared disoriented, while Mr Bane tragically died from his injuries.
