A POLICE officer who struck a pedestrian while driving a patrol car is to face disciplinary proceedings.

Motherof-three Linda Donaldson, 50, was hit as she used a pedestrian crossing in Walker, Newcastle, and was left in a coma for four months.

She remains minimally conscious, requiring 24-hour care and is unlikely to recover.

The Police Complaints Authority has agreed with Northumbria Police that two officers should face a misconduct hearing following the collision.

PC Philip Wilkinson, 27, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to dangerous driving in June. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for four years.

He will appear at the hearing in relation to his criminal conviction.

A control room constable, who has not been named, will also be required to answer an allegation that he failed in the performance of his duties, because he inaccurately relayed information received from a member of the public.

The incident took place in April last year as PC Wilkinson answered a 999 call to a shop in Walker, where a group of youths had been reported to have been stealing drinks and sandwiches.

As he attempted to pass vehicles waiting at a set of traffic lights in Welbeck Road, his car hit Mrs Donaldson, who had stepped out on to the crossing.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "We can confirm that two Northumbria Police officers will face a misconduct hearing in due course. At this stage, no date has been set."