A police officer broke down in tears as he was formally cleared of causing the death of a female motorist during a high-speed pursuit through Bristol city centre. PC Matthew Pike, aged 40, had been chasing another driver, Lewis Griffin, 23, in an unmarked BMW police car that reached speeds approaching 100mph.
The Fatal Night in Bristol
The incident occurred just before midnight on November 4, 2021, when PC Pike initiated a pursuit of Griffin's white Volkswagen Tiguan. The chase reached an average speed of 70mph through central Bristol streets, with both vehicles accelerating to around 93mph as they approached the Old Market roundabout area.
Tragic Collision and Aftermath
The pursuit came to a devastating conclusion when Griffin's vehicle collided with a Honda Jazz driven by Dr Keryl Johnson at Newfoundland Circus. The 35-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital, where she tragically died several days later from her injuries.
Following the collision, PC Pike immediately stopped to provide assistance to Dr Johnson at the scene while his colleague pursued Griffin on foot, eventually arresting him in a nearby car park.
Legal Proceedings and Outcomes
Lewis Griffin was subsequently sentenced to eight years imprisonment in February 2024 after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He also received a ten-year driving ban for his role in the fatal incident.
PC Pike faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving, with an alternative charge of causing death by careless driving. The prosecution had argued that while Griffin's driving was the primary cause of the tragedy, Pike's driving was also dangerous and contributed to Dr Johnson's death under legal definitions.
Judge's Ruling and Expert Testimony
However, Judge Edward Burgess KC determined that the evidence presented was insufficient to support a conviction. In what he described as a dreadfully difficult, incredibly sad and utterly tragic case, the judge directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on both charges.
The judge emphasised that prosecution expert witnesses had testified that PC Pike had not driven dangerously or carelessly at any point during the pursuit. On the contrary, put simply he said Matthew Pike did his job as he was trained to do it, Judge Burgess told the court.
Professional Standards and Investigation
The court heard that PC Pike had received the highest level of police driver training, including all relevant refresher courses, and was fully authorised for pursuit driving. Prosecutors acknowledged that he had acted bravely, professionally and selflessly in accordance with his duties during what they described as absolutely dreadful circumstances.
Detective Superintendent Larisa Hunt, head of the professional standards department at Avon and Somerset Police, confirmed that the charges against PC Pike followed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). She noted that the officer had waited four years for the outcome of the criminal investigation, which had significantly impacted him personally and professionally.
The police force has committed to continuing support for PC Pike while discussing next steps with the IOPC following his acquittal. The force's thoughts remain primarily with Dr Johnson's family, who have endured what was described as an unimaginable ordeal throughout this prolonged legal process.
