Former Detective Jailed for Killing Pedestrian While Driving Despite Medical Ban
Published on 07/18/2026 at 10:57 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
A former Derbyshire police detective who continued driving for years after being told by a neurologist to stop has been jailed for causing the death of a pedestrian in a crash that a judge described as a "wholly avoidable tragedy".
Michael Cooper, 55, a former Detective Chief Inspector with Derbyshire Constabulary, was sentenced on July 17 to three years and seven months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. The fatal collision occurred on September 28, 2021, in Etwall, Derbyshire, killing 50-year-old James Bane and seriously injuring another pedestrian.
Medical Warnings Ignored
Investigations revealed that Cooper had a medical history of blackouts dating back to 2003, involving conditions described as either Stokes-Adams syndrome or epilepsy. In 2009 — more than a decade before the crash — a neurologist had explicitly instructed him to stop driving and notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of his condition.
Cooper failed to inform the DVLA, his insurance provider, or his employer, the Derbyshire Constabulary. The court heard that he continued to operate vehicles for years in direct violation of the medical advice he had received.
The Fatal Collision
On the day of the accident, Cooper was driving an unmarked police vehicle without authorisation. Evidence presented during proceedings showed he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of impact. Phone records indicated he had been speaking with his girlfriend just five seconds before the crash.
The presiding judge highlighted that Cooper's decision to remain behind the wheel despite his known medical condition represented a callous disregard for public safety.
Sentence and Misconduct
Cooper pleaded guilty on July 6 to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury. Alongside his prison sentence, he has been disqualified from driving for five years.
The criminal sentencing follows earlier disciplinary action by Derbyshire Constabulary. In August 2024, the former detective was found guilty of gross misconduct during a hearing related to his actions and the subsequent investigation.
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