A Merseyside Police officer has been captured in a photo for the first time following allegations of being responsible for the death of a 22-year-old woman. Rachael Louise Moore, a “brilliant” graduate, tragically lost her life after being struck by a marked police car while crossing a street in Liverpool on Christmas Eve in 2022.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct recently confirmed that PC Scott Thompson, aged 32, has been formally charged with causing Moore’s death due to careless driving. Thompson appeared in front of the Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 24, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the single charge.
PC Thompson has been granted unconditional bail until his scheduled appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on January 6 next year, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Following Moore’s passing, her family released a statement in remembrance of the 22-year-old, describing her as a cherished daughter, sister, partner, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Patrice Hayes, Moore’s dissertation tutor at Liverpool Hope University, expressed the community’s shock and sadness over the tragic news of Moore’s death. Hayes praised Moore as a talented writer with a passion for social justice, remembered fondly by many as an inspiration.
After the incident, Merseyside Police self-referred the case to the IOPC, which initiated an investigation leading to the transfer of the case file to the Crown Prosecution Service for potential criminal charges in 2024.
An IOPC spokesperson stated that the independent investigation stemmed from a mandatory referral by the police force following a fatal collision involving a police vehicle driven by PC Thompson and Rachael Moore. The collision occurred in Liverpool’s Kensington area on December 24, 2022, resulting in Moore’s tragic death at the scene. Collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service during the investigation ultimately led to the decision to charge PC Thompson last month.