Former inspector to stand trial over fatal crash

A former detective chief inspector has denied causing the death of a pedestrian by dangerous driving in a village in Derbyshire.

Michael Cooper, who previously worked for Derbyshire Police, is accused of killing 50-year-old James Bane while driving a Peugeot 208 in Egginton Road, Etwall, in September 2021.

Appearing in the dock wearing a dark blue suit and tie, he pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.

The 54-year-old also entered a not guilty plea to causing serious injury to a woman, who cannot be named due to a court order.

During the hearing, Mr Cooper spoke only to confirm his name and enter not guilty pleas, and was told he will face trial next year.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed in April this year that charges had been brought against him.

Adjourning the case after a 10-minute hearing, judge Steven Coupland told Cooper: "I am going to adjourn your case for a trial, which at present will take place starting on 6 July next year.

"You can have your bail on the same terms as now until that date. The next hearing will be on 29 August this year. You need to be back here on that date."

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