Former chief inspector admits causing crash death

A former detective chief inspector has admitted causing the death of a pedestrian and seriously injuring a woman by dangerous driving in a crash almost five years ago.

Ex-Derbyshire Police officer Michael Cooper was due to stand trial on Monday having previously denied causing the death of 50-year-old James Bane and seriously injuring a woman, who cannot be named due to a court order.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court, Cooper pleaded guilty to two charges before the trial was due to start.

Judge Mr Justice Sweeting said Cooper, of Etwall - who appeared in court wearing a dark suit and a blue shirt - would be sentenced on 17 July.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed in April 2025 that charges had been brought against the 55-year-old for offences linked to a fatal crash involving his Peugeot 208 in Egginton Road, Etwall, on 28 September 2021.

The defendant's barrister, Adrian Keeling KC, told the court Cooper's guilty pleas were on the basis that he accepted it was "dangerous for him to drive in the context of his medical history".

Sweeting extended Cooper's bail until the sentencing hearing, and put an interim driving disqualification in place until then, which will count towards the disqualification that will be imposed "in due course".

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Former inspector to stand trial over fatal crash

HM Courts and Tribunals Service