WA cops cleared of wrongdoing in car chase

Two policemen who chased a car before it crashed, killing an 18-year-old man, were cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation, a coronial inquest in Perth has heard.

Luke Ross Beven was a passenger in a car driven by Craig Norris, who sped away from police on January 12, 2012 before losing control and ploughing into a tree and brick fence.

The car reached speeds of up to 175km/h in a 60km/h zone, the West Australian Coroner's Court heard on Tuesday.

In her opening address, counsel assisting the coroner Kate Ellson said officers Matthew Williams and Simon Watson tried to obtain authorisation for a pursuit, but could not communicate with the police operations centre.

Nonetheless, they followed the car for 43 seconds before abandoning the pursuit.

Detective Inspector George McIntosh told the inquest that both policemen were exonerated from having contributed to the teenager's death after an investigation by the internal affairs unit.

"They made a good, informed decision at the time," he said.

Det Insp McIntosh said he was confident the officers would have aborted the pursuit if necessary.

Norris, who was under the influence of drugs, pleaded guilty in the WA Supreme Court to Mr Beven's manslaughter and was sentenced to four years' jail with eligibility for parole.

Mr Beven's mother, Amanda-Lee, testified that her son was a hyperactive but loving child who later became a drug user.

She cried while explaining that she had not seen her son for two months before the fatal crash after moving house.

"I thought it would help him stand on his own two feet," she said.

The inquest continues.