A former detective chief inspector has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for causing the death of a father and serious injury to another individual after losing consciousness at the wheel of his police vehicle. Michael Cooper, 55, was driving an unmarked police car when he crashed into parked vehicles, fatally striking educational psychologist James Bane as he stood on the pavement. The incident occurred in September 2021 in Etwall, Derbyshire, while Mr. Bane was returning from a school visit.

Tragic Incident and Victim Impact

The court heard that Mr. Bane, a 50-year-old father of two, sustained fatal injuries at the scene. A woman who was also struck by Cooper’s vehicle suffered severe injuries and continues to experience ongoing pain and psychological distress. Mr. Bane’s wife, Catherine, described her husband as a “thoughtful, dedicated, respected and greatly missed” individual. In a statement read to the court, she conveyed the devastating impact of his death, stating, “When James was killed, everything I knew was ripped away. The many dreams we had were shattered, and the future I had envisaged was lost.” She also expressed her bewilderment at Cooper’s apparent lack of remorse, noting, “It is staggering to me you have never demonstrated any contrition, nor reached out to say you are sorry.”

Cooper’s Medical History and Driving Record

During the sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court, prosecutor Samuel Skinner KC highlighted Cooper’s significant medical history, which included an “unexplained medical history of blackouts that occurred without warning” for nearly two decades. Mr. Skinner emphasized that Cooper should not have been driving given this history. Records revealed that 12 years prior to the fatal collision, Cooper had been advised by a consultant neurologist to cease driving and to report his condition to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). However, he failed to inform the DVLA or his insurance company about his blackouts.

The court was informed that Cooper had expressed considerable anxiety about his blackouts to medical professionals, fearing activities such as driving, swimming, or working at heights. These episodes are thought to be linked to cardiac issues like Stokes-Adams syndrome, which involves sudden cardiac arrest, or epilepsy. Despite his concerns and the explicit medical advice against driving, Cooper continued to operate vehicles.

Prosecution’s Argument on Dangerous Driving

Mr. Skinner argued forcefully that Cooper “courted a dangerous risk every time that he got into the driver’s seat of a vehicle.” He detailed how, on the day of the incident, Cooper’s unmarked Peugeot first collided with the female pedestrian before veering off the kerb, shunting two parked cars into each other, and ultimately crushing Mr. Bane between them.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Cooper, who had initially denied the charges, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He resigned from the police force in 2024. In addition to the prison sentence, Cooper received a five-year driving disqualification.

Presiding judge Mr. Justice Sweeting characterized Cooper’s actions as demonstrating a “callous disregard of the potential danger he posed.” He concluded that “The death of Mr. Bane was a wholly avoidable tragedy.” The judge’s remarks underscored the preventable nature of the incident, stemming from Cooper’s decision to drive despite his known medical condition and professional advice.

Conclusion: A Preventable Tragedy

The sentencing of Michael Cooper brings a measure of legal closure to the family of James Bane and the injured woman, though the profound loss and lasting impact of the incident remain. The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to medical advice regarding driving, particularly for individuals with known conditions that could impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely. The court’s decision reflects the severe consequences of failing to mitigate known risks, especially when public safety is jeopardized. Cooper’s conviction and sentence highlight the legal accountability for actions that result in death and serious injury due to dangerous driving, particularly when stemming from a disregard for personal health warnings.