Death crash Pc gives evidence

Amanda Torkington died in the crash

A police officer who crashed into a car, killing the driver, has described the collision in court.

Physiotherapist Amanda Torkington, 36, died when her Citroen Saxo was in collision with Pc Janet Wynne Jones's police van in November 2006.

Ms Jones, 31, has denied causing death by dangerous driving in the collision in Baguley, Greater Manchester.

She told Liverpool Crown Court she was confident her speed was "relevant for the situation".

Ms Jones had been responding to a call for assistance in a row over a bus fare when the crash happened on Altrincham Road.

The Greater Manchester Police officer drove through two sets of red traffic lights before her van hit Ms Torkington's car, the court heard.

'Shock'

Ms Jones said: "I didn't look at the speedometer, I was confident that the speed was relevant to the situation, I was in full control of the vehicle."

Speaking of Ms Torkington, Ms Jones, wiping tears away, said: "I thought the person had seen me so I started to accelerate.

"I don't know the speed, I wasn't looking at the speedometer. I thought she was letting me through.

"First of all I thought of beeping my horn but the sirens were already on so I just slammed the brakes."

She added that in a last split second before impact she saw Ms Torkington look at her with an expression of shock.

No pulse

Ms Jones said: "There wasn't any time to do anything. She just came out."

After the crash Ms Jones climbed out of the vehicle through a side window and went to help Ms Torkington.

A passer-by had already checked her and told Jones he could not find a pulse.

The case continues.