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Cumbria Constabulary sergeant, Graeme McCreadie, has been cleared of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The trial follows an incident, on 6 May 2018, following a report of a domestic incident between a man and a woman in Kendal. Sergeant Graeme McCreadie, aged 54, was driving a police van which was deployed to the scene

It was alleged that the police van mounted a pavement on Beast Banks, hitting an officer who was on foot and then the woman. She suffered serious injuries requiring hospital treatment. The officer, a special constable, suffered minor injuries.

Our investigation was completed in November 2018. Sergeant McCreadie was charged with one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), after it reviewed evidence from our independent investigation.

Following a five-day trial, at Preston Crown Court, the jury found Sergeant McCreadie not guilty.

IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe yesterday said:

“The IOPC has a responsibility to refer any case to the Crown Prosecution Service where there is an indication that a criminal offence may have been committed. It is for the CPS to make the decision whether to charge an officer.

“The evidence from our investigation was heard in full, and withstood the scrutiny of the five-day trial, and I acknowledge the jury’s decision.

“This was a serious incident, resulting in life-changing injuries for a member of the public. Independent of the criminal case, our investigation found evidence regarding the conduct of Sergeant McCreadie – which is with the force for their consideration – we are hopeful that this will be concluded at the soonest opportunity.”