A veteran police detective sergeant has been sentenced to jail after assisting her children in a scheme to protect her son from arrest following a head-on collision with an ambulance.
Michelle Sanna, 51, risked her 29-year police career by collaborating with her son Macauley and daughter Mollie to delay Macauley’s arrest and help him avoid a drink-drive test.
On March 5, 2022, Macauley, then 18 years old, crashed his car into an ambulance on Badsell Road, Paddock Wood. The collision injured the ambulance crew and caused significant damage to the vehicle. Instead of remaining at the scene, Macauley fled, leaving his girlfriend behind.
Michelle and Mollie repeatedly lied about Macauley’s location. They turned off their phones and pretended to be asleep when police arrived. During this time, Macauley was hidden inside their home for 16 hours, allowing any alcohol in his system to dissipate.
Eventually, Macauley’s father, Mark Sanna, a Metropolitan Police officer, took him to the hospital. Macauley was arrested that same evening.
The court revealed that Michelle used her insider police knowledge to obstruct justice and fabricated false stories to conceal the truth. Her conduct was described as a “gross breach of public duty” and a reckless attempt to protect her son.
All three members of the Sanna family pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, an offence that can carry a life sentence. Michelle was sentenced to 15 months in prison. The judge noted that her role as a police officer made the offence more serious.
Kent Police confirmed Michelle’s dismissal for gross misconduct, stating her actions had “undermined the integrity of the service and the trust of the public.”
The case has caused outrage among local residents and emergency service workers, with many warning that when those who enforce the law break it, public safety is at risk.
Originally published by UKNIP.
