WEST Mercia Police has released a statement after an ex-officer was sentenced for causing a fatal crash near Kidderminster.

Pc Jamie Holloway, aged 51, was given an eight month suspended prison sentence, was disqualified from driving for 12 months, ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work, and to pay costs.

The experienced constable, a qualified advanced driver and trained firearms officer, collided with the rear of David Shaw’s Ford Fiesta on the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester at 2.51pm on May 28, 2018.

Mr Shaw, aged 53, died in hospital two weeks after the crash.

Former soldier Holloway, who had 19 years’ service in the police, was cleared by jury of causing death by dangerous driving but was convicted by a majority verdict of causing death by careless driving.

Following the sentencing and Worcester Crown Court, deputy chief constable Julian Moss said: “I hope today’s sentencing can offer Mr Shaw’s family and friends some form of closure and our thoughts remain with them at what continues to be an extremely difficult time.

“I can assure Mr Shaw’s family and communities across West Mercia Police that we take incidents such as these incredibly seriously and are committed to taking any learning from this case and embedding it within our organisation.”

Jamie Holloway previously resigned from West Mercia Police and an internal misconduct review will now take place.