Salford Pc cleared over death of woman in crash
A Greater Manchester Police officer cleared of causing the death of a woman in a collision in Salford remains suspended from driving duties.
Pc John Hannan, 32, went on trial over the death of Angela Purcell, 38, in Patricroft in May 2008.
He was found not guilty of the charge at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday.
But the 32-year-old's suitability for driving duties will not be reviewed until the end of an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) inquiry.
Ms Purcell was in a Seat Ibiza which was in collision with Pc Hannan's van as it answered an emergency call in a 30mph zone on 20 June 2008.
She died of multiple injuries while her brother, who was driving, and his daughter escaped with minor injuries.
The IPCC managed the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) investigation into the incident, which it described as a "terrible tragedy".
In a statement, a IPCC spokesman said: "Our sympathies in particular go out to Angela Purcell's family and friends. She was clearly a much-loved woman who cared for others.
"At the end of the managed investigation a file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided it was appropriate for Pc Hannan to face criminal charges.
"We have noted the verdict and will digest this to identify whether there is any learning to come from this matter."
A spokesperson for GMP said the force was aware of the court's decision but could not comment while the IPCC inquiry was ongoing.
Pc Hannan, based at Swinton Police Station, had been on restricted duties, which will now be lifted.
He remains suspended from driving duties but this will be reviewed in the future, the spokesperson added.