Parents of jogger, 27, killed by police car on wrong side of road, blast ‘incompetent’ watchdog

The parents of a jogger who was killed by a police car being driven on the wrong side of the road as it responded to a 999 call have blasted the ‘incompetent’ police watchdog’s investigation into the crash.

Supermarket manager Kimberley Cameron, 27, was hit April 16 last year as PC Philip Duthie drove the car with its sirens on, Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court was told. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now deemed the road traffic collision which caused her death ‘a tragic accident’. 

The Thames Valley Police (TVP) car involved, driven by PC Duthie with PC Matthew Watson in the passenger seat, was rushing to reports of a crashed car in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, which was on fire with children trapped inside, the inquest heard.

That evening, Ms Cameron had been jogging along the road, on the outskirts of Aylesbury, when she approached a pedestrian crossing.

Witnesses saw her cross the road while the lights were green but she did not know the police vehicle was traveling on the wrong side of the road at around 60mph as it crossed the junction, slamming into her and launching her into the air.

Ms Cameron was declared dead at the scene by Thames Valley Air Ambulance paramedics and a post-mortem examination gave the cause of her death as multiple injuries.

It was revealed at the inquest on Wednesday that, following the IOPC’s investigation, no action was taken against PC Duthie. 

Speaking at the inquest, the policeman said: ‘I could never wish what happened on anybody.

‘As a result, I have had an investigation from the IOPC to look for any wrongdoing. I have seriously considered my career with the police as a result.’

After less than three hours of deliberation in the final day of the four-day hearing today, the jury returned a part-narrative conclusion stating the death was by way of a road traffic collision.

They highlighted that the view of both parties was impeded because of a stationary line of traffic to the left of the police car.

Speaking after the inquest’s conclusion, Ms Cameron’s parents, Liane and Kevin,  said: ‘We have been extremely disappointed and shocked by the IOPC’s incompetence into the investigation of Kimberley’s death, when she was killed by PC Duthie on April 16, 2021.

‘From the very start of their investigation, it was clear to us that the IOPC had taken the path of least resistance. 

‘If it wasn’t for our insistence and persistence, the IOPC would have allowed TVP to conduct their own Road Traffic Collision report.

‘The coroner’s inquest and a TVP expert witness have clearly highlighted several areas where the IOPC have missed basic pieces of evidence. 

‘This evidence shows that PC Duthie did not follow basic national guidance or indeed his training.

‘We are in no doubt that if he had, Kimberley would be alive today. Unfortunately, the coroner and the jury are not permitted by law to apportion blame or liability.

‘In light of this and the pitiful investigation conducted by the IOPC, we strongly request that TVP review the case and the new evidence presented to the coroner’s Inquest.’

The couple added that they are ‘personally reaching out’ to local Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, who they said has ‘a responsibility to hold your officers to account.’

‘Without accountability your organisation cannot learn, prevent future deaths, or indeed have public trust,’ they said.

They also called for Ms Cameron’s MP Rob Butler and the government to investigate the IOPC. 

‘They are not fit for purpose – the lawyers know it, the police know it and the public knows it. 

‘It is time something is done about it and only the Government can do this.

‘Again, if you do not hold people and organisations accountable nothing will ever change. 

‘We know that none of this will bring Kimberley back, but we hope that no other family will have to go through such a deeply traumatic experience such as we did.’

Paying tribute to their daughter, Mr and Mrs Cameron said: ‘Kimberley was an amazing young woman, who took every opportunity in life to push her limits and live life to the full. 

‘We are extremely proud of the strong independent woman she became.

‘She was not only a daughter and sister but a true friend, her infectious smile lit up every room she entered and touched the hearts of many. 

‘Kimberley’s tragic death was not only devastating for us but has affected many people.’

In a statement issued following the inquest today, a spokesman for the IOPC defended their investigation into Kimberley’s death.

The spokesman said that Ms Cameron may have been listening to music at the time of the incident as her ear buds were found near her body after the fatal collision.

The statement said: ‘A TVP officer who was responding to an emergency call before his vehicle was involved in a fatal collision acted in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures, an IOPC investigation concluded.

‘An inquest which concluded today at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court determined Kimberley Cameron died as a result of a road traffic collision.

‘We received a referral from TVP following the incident on the A41 Bicester Road at Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

‘Our investigation, which concluded in February 2022, found the police constable was responding to a report of a car crash on the A41 in Waddesdon, where two children were trapped in a car which was on fire. 

‘The call was assigned grade 1, which meant an immediate response – within 15 minutes – was required.

‘The officer, who was driving a marked police vehicle, encountered slow moving traffic, so moved into the oncoming lane where there was little to no traffic.

‘His vehicle was travelling at approximately 62mph in a 40mph zone with its lights and sirens on when it struck Ms Cameron as she crossed between two stationary cars on a pedestrian crossing when the lights were at green for traffic. 

‘It is believed she may have been wearing her noise cancelling earbuds as they were found near her.

‘We concluded that even if the officer had been driving at or below the speed limit, it is likely he would not have been able to brake in time to avoid hitting Ms Cameron. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘In June 2021, Kimberley’s father submitted a formal complaint to the IOPC about the manner of police driving, specifically the speed and hazard perception. We concluded the service provided by the police was acceptable.’

IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley said: ‘All our evidence suggests that Kimberley’s death was a tragic accident. 

‘Our investigation was independent of the police and aimed to understand events leading up to the collision. 

‘We found the officer who was driving acted appropriately and in line with the Thames Valley Police Driver Policy.

‘The evidence we gathered was provided to the coroner to assist with the inquest proceedings, which we hope has helped answer some of Kimberley’s family’s questions about that day.’

The spokesman added: ‘Investigators gathered and analysed audio-visual evidence, including dashcam and body-worn video footage. In addition, witness statements were taken from police officers, medical staff and civilians at the scene.

‘A forensic collision investigator from an outside force was appointed to examine the technical evidence and data. 

‘Local and national policies and procedures were analysed alongside legislation to determine whether the manner of driving was compliant.’