Court threat to PCs over chase that led to boy actor being killed
TWO police officers could face charges over the deaths of a child actor and his aunt who were mown down during a high-speed pursuit.
The PCs were in a marked police car chasing a stolen Ford Focus through residential streets when it ploughed into a family on their way to a park.
Makayah McDermott, 10, and his aunt Rozanne Cooper, 34, were killed in the crash in Penge, south London, in August last year.
His 13-year-old twin sisters Yahla and Niyah and their eight-year-old cousin Eva Cochrane, Ms Cooper’s daughter, were also hurt.
Millionaire businessman’s son Joshua Dobby, 23, who was driving the Ford, admitted manslaughter at the Old Bailey and was jailed for 12 years in March.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said yesterday that a case file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.
IPCC Operations Manager Catherine Hall said: “I have now decided to make a referral to the CPS as there is an indication that two officers may have committed criminal offences relating to their actions both during and following the pursuit.
“The referral relates to both the driver and the passenger of the police vehicle.
“A referral to the CPS is made when the IPCC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed.
“It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow.”
A copy of the file has also been sent to Metropolitan Police chiefs, who will decide if the officers should face disciplinary charges.
Makayah, described as a “bright young star”, had recently performed in The Wiz, a spin-off of The Wizard Of Oz, at the Broadway Theatre, Catford, south London. His sisters were also in the show. Test launch of missile by North Korea Killer... millionaire’s son Joshua Dobby, above, admitted manslaughter of actor Makayah in crash in Penge, below