Police officer charged with causing death of 22-year-old Rachael Moore in Liverpool

24 November 2025 , 15:43

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Police officer charged with causing death of 22-year-old Rachael Moore in Liverpool

A Merseyside Police officer has been pictured for the first time after being accused of causing a 22-year-old woman’s death. "Brilliant" graduate Rachael Louise Moore died when she was hit by a marked police car as she crossed the road in Liverpool, on Christmas Eve 2022.

Last week the Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed that PC Scott Thompson, 32, has been charged with causing Moore’s death by careless driving. Thompson appeared before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 24, where he pleaded not guilty to the single charge.

He has been released in unconditional bail ahead of his appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on January 6 next year, the Liverpool Echo reported.

Moore’s family paid tribute to the 22-year-old following her death, writing in a statement: “Rachael Louise Moore, aged 22, cherished daughter of Alison and Ian, sister to Ben and much loved granddaughter of Nana Sue. Partner to Jack and caring friend to many. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched."

Meanwhile, Patrice Hayes, Moore’s dissertation tutor at Liverpool Hope University, said the community was "shocked and greatly saddened by the news of Rachael’s tragic death".

Hayes added: "Rachael was one of those students who was always ready with a sweet, shy smile and she was a brilliant writer. Her ready kindness and calm manner belied her fierce passion for social justice. Many staff and former students attended the memorial held for Rachael at Hope, a testimony to how much she was, and remains, an inspiration to us all."

Following the collision, Merseyside Police referred itself to the IOPC and the watchdog launched an investigation before a file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for the consideration of criminal charges in 2024.

An IOPC spokesman said last week: "Our independent investigation followed a mandatory referral from the force after a police vehicle PC Thompson was driving was involved in a fatal collision in the Kensington area of Liverpool on December 24 2022. The officer who was responding to an unrelated emergency call collided with 22-year-old Rachael Moore, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"We have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service during the course of our investigation to consider any potential criminal offences. This led to the authorisation of the charge against PC Thompson last month."

James Smith

Editor-in-Chief