Ashleigh McAdams ran a red light while scrambling to an emergency incident and smashed into another patrol car, leaving one of her colleagues comatose for days and another still unable to return to the frontline after more than two decades of service. She walked free from court this week after the conclusion of criminal proceedings against her, but could yet be dismissed from her role by Merseyside Police.
Under interview with detectives, McAdams - who has no previous convictions - said her memory was "foggy" but "accepted that she drove too quickly when the collision happened". She suffered a broken pelvis and a fractured foot during the crash, undergoing treatment at Aintree Hospital before being discharged on July 14.
"I went to work and woke up in hospital. It was like a missing jigsaw piece, everything has just halted." The serving officer of 25 years and dad to a nine-year-old daughter was also diagnosed with a form of vertigo, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the accident. In his statement, he described suffering from nightmares and "waking up in cold sweats".
McAdams remains a serving officer. She previously received a commendation for administering CPR to a murder victim in 2021 and has been recommended for another, having served on the frontline when violence erupted during protests at the Suites Hotel in Kirkby in February this year. McAdams admitted causing serious injury by careless driving. Appearing in the dock wearing a dark grey blazer over a white blouse and lime green trousers on Monday, she was handed a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 30 days and 180 hours of unpaid work.
"PC Waters continues to suffer neurological problems. She has set out the significant and devastating physical and psychological impact, impacting on her on a daily basis. "You committed the offence when rushing to try to help officers who you thought may be in danger. It is clear that you are someone who has dedicated yourself to a better life.