THE son of two wealthy police officers who killed two pedestrians while driving high on cannabis was convicted today (October 9) for illegally getting behind the wheel just weeks later.

Max Coopey who lives in a £1 million home in Ascot, was spotted by PCSO Gary Clarke, who had been given prior warning that the young man was driving when he was not allowed to do so.

The 18-year-old had been banned from driver after he knocked down and killed John Shackley and Jason Imi while driving an Audi A5 car after smoking drugs with a friend on August 2, last year.

He was later convicted of only drug-driving in relation to their deaths after a police collision investigator concluded that it had been an accident.

However, Coopey and his friend, Kieran Shepherd, claimed before a district judge that he had not got back behind the wheel of his car just over two months later, despite a police officer positively identifying him.

District Judge Davinder Lachhar, said: “To be perfectly honest, I don’t actually believe either of you.

“I think you both agreed that one of you was going to say he was driver but when one looks at your evidence it is clear I cannot believe either of you.”

Coopey was seen driving a silver Renault Clio on October 19 by the officer who testified against him. 

He denied having driven while disqualified and without insurance, arguing that the car, which was in his mother’s name, had been at the single-lane give way point, but he claimed his friend Kieran Shepherd had been driving, while he had been in the passenger seat using his phone.

Speaking from the witness box, Coopey told the judge: “I was not driving. I had no interest of driving. Why would I want to drive?”

Judge Lachhar told him: “I am not here to answer questions. You are here to answer questions.”

Prosecuting, Shona Probert said: “PCSO Clarke had dealt with Mr Coopey on occasions before in the course of his duties and noticed him.

“Mr Coopey stopped his vehicle at one of these traffic calming measures to allow the PCSO in a marked vehicle through.

“At this point, the PCSO being aware of his driving history, knew that he was disqualified. He had information that Mr Coopey was continuing to drive while disqualified, he was actively looking for Mr Coopey.”

Taking to the witness stand, Mr Clarke said he had only just left Ascot Police Station when he noticed the Renault at approximately 7.20pm.

Under questioning, Mr Clarke added that he had seen the defendant “full face” for four to five seconds as he drove by and said: “He tried to look down at the driver’s seat but I could still see his face.”

The judge commented on his previous offences - five convictions for seven offences between 2013-2018, including common assault, robbery and other driving matters.

Judge Lachhar said: “He’s got an appalling record really. The court on the next occasion will decide what sentence to impose on him. All options will be open on that occasion.”

Max Coopey will be sentenced on October 29 for his failure to surrender for bail at the appointed time and driving while disqualified and without insurance.