A police officer who was involved in a fatal crash while responding to a 999 call has been cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.
Pc Janet Wynne Jones, 31, was answering a call to a row over a bus fare when the crash happened on Altrincham Road in Baguley, Manchester, last November.
Her van went through two red lights and hit a green Citroen Saxo, killing Amanda Torkington, 37, at the scene.
Pc Jones was found not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court.
At an earlier hearing, Pc Jones said she could not recall how fast she had been travelling when she went through the red lights.
But she said she was in full control of the Ford Transit van and driving "appropriately" for the road conditions.
'Siren sounding'
Pc Jones was in the outside lane as she approached the point where the crash happened.
Her siren was sounding and her flashing blue lights were on as Miss Torkington, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, emerged behind another car off adjoining Hall Lane.
Miss Torkington, who was a physiotherapist and worked at Wythenshawe hospital, had been to a church meeting before the crash.
A witness, Philip Conway, saw the crash from his kitchen window and estimated that Pc Jones was travelling at 60mph - twice the road's speed limit.
"Any relief goes also with a good degree of sadness"
Pc Jones's lawyer, Nick Holroyd, from Manchester-based Russell Jones and Walker Solicitors, said: "She is relieved at the verdict and pleased that she can hopefully get on with her career.
"But any relief goes also with a good degree of sadness over the death of Amanda Torkington and she would wish to express her sympathies to the family of Miss Torkington."
The incident was investigated by Merseyside Police under the direction and control of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: "The next step is for the IPCC to discuss with Greater Manchester Police whether there are any disciplinary matters to be considered."
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