Police cleared of wrongdoing in fatal Porirua pursuit

The IPCA found the only breach of police was that the officer didn't have his siren activated for the whole pursuit. Photo / File

Police have been largely cleared of any wrongdoing during a fatal pursuit in Porirua.

Damian Lawson led police on a chase in May last year, before losing control and crashing on Kenepuru Drive.

His 21-year-old female front seat passenger died from injuries suffered in the crash.

Earlier this year the 42-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison, and was disqualified from driving for five years.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority says the officer who pursued Lawson's fleeing vehicle was justified in doing so and generally complied with policy.

The only breach of policy was that the officer didn't have his siren activated for the whole pursuit.

A cocktail of methamphetamine, cannabis, tramadol and local anaesthetic was found in Lawson's system following the crash.

He was also wanted for breach of bail.