A former detective chief inspector's shocking lack of accountability has been laid bare as he was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving and injuring a colleague, despite being warned about his condition over a decade ago. Michael Cooper, 55, was behind the wheel of an unmarked police car in Etwall when he blacked out, leading to a fatal collision that claimed the life of James Bane, 50.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that in 2009, Cooper had been advised by a neurologist to stop driving due to recurring unexplained blackouts. However, this warning was ignored, and he continued to drive without disclosing his condition to his employer or insurer. Prosecutor Samuel Skinner KC highlighted the significance of this omission during proceedings.
The incident occurred on Egginton Road, where Mr Bane, an educational psychologist, and a female colleague were standing near parked vehicles after leaving a nearby school. Cooper's Peugeot 208 veered out of control, with data suggesting his foot was on the accelerator at the time of impact. Mr Bane was fatally injured when crushed between two shunted parked cars, while his companion suffered serious injuries.
Following the collision, Cooper appeared disoriented and confused, claiming to be a painter and decorator and expressing ignorance about the Prime Minister's identity. In a subsequent police interview, he refused permission for officers to access his medical records. The court heard how Mr Bane's widow described her family's devastating loss as 'truly hideous', with their lives 'torn apart' overnight.
Mr Justice Sweeting handed Cooper a three-year and seven-month prison sentence, stressing that his guilt stemmed from his reckless decision to drive despite being aware of the risks posed by his condition. Cooper had resigned from Derbyshire Police before facing a gross misconduct hearing in August 2024, which concluded he would have been dismissed if still serving. Upon release, he will face a five-year driving ban and require an extended retest if deemed medically fit to drive again.