Police charged over Hayley Adamson death

A Police officer is to be charged with causing the death of teenager Hayley Adamson by dangerous driving.

Lawyers for the Crown Prosecution Service made the decision after considering a file of evidence prepared by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Over four months after 16-year-old Hayley was struck by the Northumbria Police patrol car driven by PC John Dougal, a criminal case will now be presented at court.

The student was killed as she crossed Denton Road, Newcastle, after a night out with friends on May 19.

Hayley’s family had called for justice for the youngster whose life was cut short as she was about to sit school exams.

Chris Enzor, Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS Durham said: "Following a thorough investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, I confirm my decision to charge PC John James Dougal of Northumbria Police with causing death by dangerous driving.

"PC Dougal was driving the patrol car that struck Hayley Adamson.

"In relation to another officer who was driving a second patrol car behind PC Dougal’s vehicle, I have decided that there is not sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

"My thoughts are with Hayley’s family at this difficult time."

Schoolgirl Hayley, of Cedar Road, Fenham, was hit by a police car just after 11pm. She died at the scene in front of her distressed friends.

There was a hostile reaction in the immediate aftermath of the incident in which police were pelted with bricks and a full investigation was subsequently launched by the IPCC.