Prison for ex-cop whose appalling driving caused fatal collision
A former officer has been jailed for nearly seven years after killing a mother and her 14-year-old daughter in a five-car crash.
A former officer has been jailed for nearly seven years after killing a mother and her 14-year-old daughter in a five-car crash.
Last July, Vinod Dahiya collided with another vehicle after he ignored a keep left sign and pulled out into incoming traffic.
Diane McGrail, 53, and her daughter Kira both died at the scene, and Mrs McGrails 17-year-old son received serious injuries.
Mr Dahiya was off-duty at the time.
He pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 23, to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving at Stafford Crown Court, and was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment.
He has also been disqualified from driving for seven years, and will have to be retested following his release.
Judge Michael Chambers QC described Mr Dahiyas actions as dangerous and deliberate and said they had catastrophic consequences.
He added: This had not been a spur of the moment matter, there had been numerous previous attempts to overtake.
Prosecutor Antonie Muller said: For the previous 12 miles, [Mr Dahiya] had been dangerously and repeatedly pulling out in attempts to overtake when there was no reasonable opportunity to do so.
And the man who was driving behind Mr Dahiya told the police: [He] was totally to blame. His driving was appalling.
After the incident I asked him what the hell do you think youre doing? he replied I dont know.
Mr Dahiya spent 10 years as a constable with West Mercia Police, but was suspended in July 2013 on allegations of rape and common Assault.
In July 2014, he was found not guilty of one rape charge, and the jury could not reach a verdict on the second or the assault.
He returned to work the following month in a non-operational capacity, but was sacked last November for gross misconduct after it was found he lied during an interview before his trial.
Investigating officer Sgt Ian Tanner said: Todays plea and sentence is to be welcomed and I hope it brings some comfort to the family and friends of Diane and Kira.
This collision robbed a mother and daughter of their lives and left a third family member seriously injured. He is still continuing to receive medical treatment.
Dahiya caused this collision through irresponsible and dangerous driving and his actions were completely reckless.
West Mercia Police has declined to comment on the case, but a spokesperson said: Our thoughts are with the victims families at this sad time.