Police awaiting inquest evidence reports in smart motorway deaths investigation

SOUTH Yorkshire Police are to set up a review based on recent inquest reports with the possibility of starting criminal proceedings after three peopled died on a stretch of a smart motorway on the M1.
By Chloe West
Published 2nd Mar 2021, 08:48 BST
Updated 2nd Mar 2021, 09:17 BST

SOUTH Yorkshire Police says it is waiting for evidence from inquests into three "smart motorway" deaths before considering if criminal proceedings will be brought.

The police said they were in the process of obtaining all evidence coroners had reference to at the inquests into the deaths of Jason Mercer, Alexandru Murgeanu and Nargis Begum.

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Jason (44), of Broom, and Alexandru Murgeanu (22), from Mansfield, died after a heavy goods vehicle crashed into their vehicles after they stopped following a minor collision on a "live-running" lane on the northbound carriageway of the M1 in June 2019.

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    Following their inquest in January, a coroner ruled that their deaths were "unlawful" and could have been avoided.

    Jason's wife Claire is planning to hold a public demonstration today demanding Highways England be prosecuted.

    South Yorkshire Police said today that a senior investigating officer hads been assigned to the matter and would be "overseeing the review of all the materials obtained".

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    A spokeswoman added: "At this time, we have not yet received the evidence from Mr Mercer and Mr Murgeanu’s inquest.

    This activity will allow SYP to ascertain whether a crime has been committed, with a view to the possible commencement of criminal proceedings.

    SYP remains in close consultation with the Health and Safety Executive and the Crown Prosecution Services."