West Midlands Police officer cleared of death by careless driving could still face disciplinary hearing

Pc Vaughan Lowe, a 43-year-old West Midlands Police traffic officer from Stourbridge, was found not guilty after a trial at Warwick Crown Court.

His unmarked police BMW, which had its blue lights and siren on at the time, struck Chinese student Zhang Xuan Wei on the crossing on the A34 New Town Row in Birmingham.

The 24-year-old, a student at Birmingham City University, was thrown into the air by the impact, and died in hospital the following day.

Lowe, aged 43, who had been responding to reports of a stolen vehicle at the time of the crash, had denied causing Wei's death in April 2012 by careless driving.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said today Mr Lowe could be disciplined because he faced accusations of gross misconduct.

IPCC deputy chairman Rachel Cerfontyne said its report had been passed on to Mr Zhang's family and West Midlands Police.

She added: "Our final investigation report has been given to Mr Zhang's family and passed to West Midlands Police. It found that PC Lowe had a case to answer for gross misconduct as his driving fell below the required standard and failed to comply with a number of national and force-wide policies as well as the Highway Code. West Midlands Police will now finalise internal disciplinary hearings."

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Cann, from West Midlands Police, said: "On behalf of the entire force I once again extend our heartfelt condolences to Xuan Wei's family and friends. No parent should have to lose a child in such tragic circumstances and I am very sorry for their loss.

"There are no winners as a result of today's verdict. A family remain grieving for a loved one and a highly skilled police officer who has dedicated his life to public service - and who had an otherwise unblemished driving history - will forever be haunted by the events of that night."

Pc Lowe has spoken of his relief after being cleared of being responsible for Mr Wei's death.

Following the not guilty verdict, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC told the jury: "This has been, for all concerned, a case that had been difficult and involved. It is a case which has been properly brought against this officer and properly defended and properly considered by you."

The court had previously heard that Wei and a friend were heading to the Newtown shopping centre at about 7pm on April 4 to get a takeaway. But after crossing one side of the dual carriageway he was hit as he 'walked or jogged' onto the pelican crossing to cross the outbound carriageway from the central area.

It was alleged that although Pc Lowe, who was responding to an 'immediate response' call, had reduced his speed from 62 to 52mph, he was still driving too fast.