Police apologise for winning PR award after girl's death

Police have apologised to the family of a 16-year-old girl who was killed when a speeding patrol car knocked her down in Newcastle after it won a public relations award for its handling of the tragedy.

Pc John Dougal was jailed for three years for causing death by dangerous driving after he hit Hayley Adamson in the city's West End in May 2008.

At the time the Northumbria Police officer was driving at 94mph in a 30mph zone without any blue warning lights or sirens on, Newcastle Crown Court heard.



Despite the tragedy Northumbria Police put itself forward for, and won, a Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Pride Award last year for its handling of the case.

Hayley's mother, Yvonne Adamson, said that the award was "an insult to her memory".

She said: "I can't believe they have nominated themselves for the award. What about all the complaints that went in against them at the time? Life is truly hell."