A court has put the blame of a death crash squarely on police after a woman was killed by a speeding squad car.

Judge Jonathan Simpkiss ruled that he found the defendant, Kent Police, wholly liable and that there was no contributory negligence by the victim, Rachel Cheesewright, 29.

The family of Miss Cheesewright pursued damages after she was killed while driving on the A28 near Bethersden, Ashford, when her car collided with a police car answering an emergency call in October 2005.

The claim was made by Alan Armsden, the executor of Miss Cheesewright’s will.

Judge Simpkiss said at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday that he found the driver, PC William Purse, negligent because he did not have his siren on and was driving too fast.

The figure for the compensation is to be decided later.

The judge refused Kent Police permission to appeal and said that would have to be decided at the Court of Appeal.

Solicitor Sarah Harman, representing Miss Cheesewright’s family, said: "The family is delighted at the decison of the judge.

"It is important that police, even when answering emergency calls, should be aware of the safety of other road users."