Police Officer's 93mph Speed in Fatal Bristol Chase Under Scrutiny in Court

Officer's Speed Questioned in Fatal Pursuit

A police officer's speed of up to 93mph (150km/h) during a fatal car chase in Bristol city centre is currently under examination at Bristol Crown Court. PC Matthew Pike, 40, is facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving and an alternative charge of causing death by careless driving following the incident on November 4, 2021. The pursuit resulted in the death of Dr. Keryl Johnson, 35, who was driving a Honda Jazz that was struck by the pursued vehicle.

Details of the High-Speed Chase

The court heard that PC Pike, driving an unmarked police BMW, was pursuing a white Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Lewis Griffin shortly before midnight. The chase began when Mr. Griffin failed to stop after Pike activated his blue lights and sirens. The pursuit traversed various areas of Bristol, including Totterdown, Bristol Temple Meads railway station, Bond Street, and residential streets in Stokes Croft, with both vehicles reportedly driving the wrong way down one-way streets. Forensic experts, utilising external CCTV footage, estimated that Mr. Griffin reached speeds of 90mph, while PC Pike was recorded at up to 93mph as they approached the Old Market roundabout.

Collision and Legal Proceedings

The pursuit culminated in a collision at Newfoundland Circus, where Mr. Griffin's Volkswagen Tiguan collided with Dr. Keryl Johnson's Honda Jazz. Dr. Johnson sustained severe injuries and tragically died several days later, on November 16, 2021, in hospital. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC informed the court that while Mr. Griffin's driving was the 'primary and immediate cause' of Dr. Johnson's death, PC Pike's driving was also 'dangerous and contributed too, and so in terms of law, caused her death'.

Despite the allegations, the court acknowledged that PC Pike was trained to the most advanced level for police driving, had received all relevant refresher training, and was authorised for pursuit driving. After the collision, PC Pike reportedly stopped at the scene to assist Dr. Johnson, while his colleague pursued Mr. Griffin on foot, leading to his arrest in a nearby car park. The trial is ongoing at Bristol Crown Court, where the circumstances surrounding the fatal chase are being thoroughly examined.