Detective Constable Ashley Scott Brice, of Kerry, collided with the car of Gareth Edward James – of Llandegley, near Llandrindod Wells – on the A483 on October 10, 2005, after he lost control of his unmarked police car when attempting to overtake a convoy of a lorry and three cars near Dolfor, hitting Mr James’ Vauxhall Astra.

As he took a sharp, blind bend in the road, Brice tried to pull back into the left lane and hit the kerb, and then collided with Mr James’ vehicle.

Mr James was conveyed to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, while Brice, who suffered serious injuries, required surgery.

Brice had been described as “going like hell” by one witness, while his manner of driving had also been described as “nothing short of madness”, although he denied it had been “macho” display of driving.

Brice was banned from driving for a year and fined £2,000 by the court.

Commenting after Brice was convicted of driving without due care and attention in August 2007 Mr James’ mother had refused to condemn the officer’s punishment and said she was “glad it’s all over”.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said this week Brice’s punishment was “the maximum amount permitted under Police Regulations”.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: “Our thoughts are with Gareth James’ family, who suffered a terrible loss as a result of DC Brice’s driving.

“Police forces campaign on road safety issues and it is right that the public should expect police officers to both uphold and respect driving laws.

“The misconduct outcome follows a court trial and a further retrial, and this now brings the IPCC investigation to an end.”