A police officer on trial for causing death by dangerous driving reached speeds of up to 93mph during a city centre pursuit that ended in a fatal collision, a court has been told.
The Fatal Night in Bristol
PC Matthew Pike, 40, was following a white Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Lewis Griffin through the centre of Bristol shortly before midnight on 4 November 2021. The pursuit ended when Griffin's car collided with a Honda Jazz being driven by Dr Keryl Johnson, 35.
Dr Johnson sustained life-threatening injuries at the scene on Newfoundland Circus and tragically died in hospital on 16 November 2021. PC Pike, who was driving a marked police BMW, has pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and an alternative charge of causing death by careless driving.
Forensic Evidence of High Speeds
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC told Bristol Crown Court that forensic experts analysed external CCTV footage to calculate the vehicles' speeds. The court heard that Pike recorded an average speed of 70mph between two points in the city centre.
As the vehicles approached the Old Market roundabout, Griffin's car was estimated to be travelling at 90mph, with PC Pike's police vehicle close behind at approximately 93mph (150km/h). The pursuit began after Pike activated his blue lights and sirens, but Griffin failed to stop.
Prosecution's Case and Officer's Actions
Ms Ledward told the jury that while Griffin's driving was the "primary and immediate cause" of the crash, Pike's driving was also "dangerous and contributed too, and so in terms of law, caused her death".
The court was informed that PC Pike, trained to the most advanced level for police driving and fully authorised for pursuits, stopped immediately at the scene. He went to aid Dr Johnson in her car until relieved by colleagues and other emergency workers.
"There is no suggestion that he did anything other than act bravely, professionally and selflessly, and entirely in accordance with his duties as a police officer, in what must have been absolutely dreadful moments," the prosecutor stated.
The trial continues at Bristol Crown Court.
