CPS given file for criminal charges against police responder who hit and killed woman crossing road

The police watchdog has recommended the consideration of criminal charges against an officer who hit and killed a young woman with his car. Rachael Moore, 22, was hit and killed by the marked car as she crossed Sheil Road in Kensington at around 8.10pm on Christmas Eve 2022.

Following a mandatory referral from Merseyside Police, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) began an investigation into the actions of the officer, who was in a singled-crewed car responding to an unrelated emergency call. Emergency crews were called to the scene and the police officer attempted CPR, but Ms Moore - a Liverpool Hope University graduate working as a carer - died of her injuries.

A spokesperson for the IOPC told the ECHO today that the watchdog was awaiting a decision from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) regarding the consideration of a causing death by dangerous driving charge. The spokesperson told the ECHO: "The IOPC investigation into the actions of a Merseyside Police officer in connection with the death of Rachael Moore in Liverpool has concluded.

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"Our independent investigation began following a mandatory referral from the force as a police vehicle was involved in a fatal collision in the Kensington area of Liverpool. Shortly after 8pm on 24 December 2022, a singled crewed police car, which had been responding to an unrelated emergency call, collided with 22-year-old Rachael on Sheil Road.

"In February 2023 we confirmed we were conducting a criminal investigation for potential offences of causing death by dangerous driving. Following the conclusion of our investigation in April 2024, we referred a file to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of criminal charges.

"As part of our enquiries, we reviewed body worn footage, CCTV footage, police incident and scene logs, obtained accounts from officers and witnesses and the officer driving the vehicle was interviewed under criminal caution. Our thoughts remain with Rachael’s family and friends and all those affected by this incident."

Ms Moore's family previously paid tribute to their "cherished daughter" who will be "greatly missed by all those lives she touched". In a heartbreaking tribute, the family said: "Rachael Louise Moore aged 22, cherished daughter of Alison and Ian, sister to Ben and much-loved granddaughter of Nana Sue. Partner to Jack and caring friend to many. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched."

Liverpool Hope University held a memorial service for the former philosophy, ethics and religion student following her death. Hope University's vice-chancellor, Dr Penny Haughan, said: "Everyone at Liverpool Hope University is deeply saddened by the news of Rachael’s death. She was a committed, diligent student with a bright future, who will be remembered for both her kindness and passion for social justice by the staff and students who knew her."

The ECHO previously reported that Ms Moore, who was born in Derby, was on her way home from work after complaining of a headache. During the opening of an inquest into her death in January 2023, coroner Andre Rebello said: "While crossing she was struck by a motor vehicle, this was a Merseyside Police vehicle, and it's understood the driver was responding to a grade one emergency with blue lights and sirens." She was pronounced dead at the scene at around 8.23pm.

The inquest into her death was later adjourned while the court waited for toxicology and post mortem results, as well as reports from both the IOPC and the roads policing unit. A review into Ms Moore's inquest was due to be held at the Gerard Majella Courthouse this afternoon but was adjourned until January 9 next year.

The ECHO approached the CPS for comment.