Soldier admits killing Pc

A staff sergeant at the prestigious Sandhurst Military Academy has admitted causing the death of a police officer in a car crash.

Steven Graham, 39, was being transported in a squad car along the A69 near Hexham, Northumberland, after being arrested on suspicion of causing a breach of the peace, when he attempted to stop the car by pulling the handbrake on at 70mph.

The vehicle overturned and Pc Joe Carroll, 46, suffered fatal head injuries in the crash. Another police officer, Inspector Brian English, was also injured in the crash, which happened on April 13.

At Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, Graham, who had served in the first Gulf War, as well as Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Pc Carroll.

However, he denied another charge of causing actual bodily harm to Insp English and the charge was ordered to lie on file.

Graham, who worked as a communications instructor at Sandhurst, was remanded in custody while pre-sentence reports were prepared. The case has been adjourned until the week commencing July 31 for sentencing.

Pc Carroll, who was originally from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire had served as a community police officer for 13 years and a police officer for almost 25 years. He was married, with no children, and lived in Gosforth, Newcastle.

His wife Caroline, who attended Wednesday's hearing, described her husband as "vibrant and fun-loving". She said: "Steven Graham was thoughtless and foolish. He did not think of the consequences of his actions.

"My hopes, dreams and plans for the future died with Joe."

(KMcA/SP)