CCTV footage released by Merseyside Police captures the moment a mother ran a red light in Birkenhead, causing a collision that set a police car ablaze. Stacie Wright, 35, of Well Lane, Rock Ferry, drove her white Mercedes-Benz A-Class through a red light at the junction of Conway Street and Watson Street, striking an oncoming police vehicle.
Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
Wirral Magistrates' Court heard the incident occurred at approximately 11:15 pm on November 12. Wright crossed the junction despite the traffic light having been red for up to eight seconds. Meanwhile, a police car with blue lights flashing was travelling through a green light on Watson Street. CCTV shows Wright beginning to turn right directly into the path of the police vehicle before the collision.
Within seconds, flames erupted from beneath the bonnet of the police car. The £15,000 vehicle was destroyed and written off, with an additional £2,500 in salvage costs. The officer inside, Constable Thompson, suffered cuts, bruising, tinnitus, and rib pain that took two months to heal.
Impact on the Officer
In a victim personal statement read to the court, Constable Thompson described the terrifying experience: "The fact my vehicle was actually on fire was terrifying. Such is the burden on me to put others first, my first thought was to get out and check on the driver." He added, "Had I been going one or two miles per hour faster, I could have killed someone. How close I was to losing everything due to the actions of someone else."
The officer continues to struggle with sleep and trauma, stating, "Every time I close my eyes to go to sleep I still see the flames coming up the bonnet and the smoke filling up my lungs." His 12-year-old daughter, who has additional needs, was woken in the night to be told about the crash and still makes passing remarks about it six months later. The officer also reported financial difficulties due to time off work and missed training opportunities.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Prosecutor Nathan Cooper commented on the footage: "I think that footage amply illustrates what occurred." Defending, Mr Hunt described Wright as a "hard working" single mother and hairdresser who was "genuinely remorseful," attributing the collision to a "moment of inattention."
Sentencing, Charles Wood, head of the bench, stated: "The CCTV footage is very clear, and having seen it we determine this is a category A1 offence, the most serious offence. The traffic light you went through was red for a significant period of time, as much as eight seconds." He added, "Nine times out of 10 this wouldn't happen, but it's precisely because of the possible consequences that we have such things in place. The fact is: it did happen."
Wright received an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £272 in costs.
