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crime1d ago
Police officer cleared of killing woman during high-speed chase in Bristol
News.sky.com and 1 more
- A Bristol police officer, PC Matthew Pike, was cleared of all charges after a high-speed pursuit that ended in a fatal crash in 2021.
- The collision occurred when the VW Tiguan driven by Lewis Griffin collided with Dr Keryl Johnson's Honda Jazz during the chase in Bristol, killing the 35-year-old GP days later in hospital.
- The defense argued Pike’s driving met training standards and was not dangerous, aligning with expert testimony presented at trial.
- The judge stated the prosecution had not proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, contributing to Pike’s acquittal on both counts.
- Griffin, the VW Tiguan driver, was jailed for eight years in February 2024 for causing death by dangerous driving, with a 10-year driving ban.
- The fatal collision happened at Newfoundland Circus after Griffin’s VW Tiguan and a Honda Jazz collided during the high-speed pursuit.
- Pike had trained to the highest level of police driving and had completed all relevant refresher training, including authorization for pursuit driving.
- The judge described the case as dreadfully difficult, incredibly sad, and utterly tragic, underscoring the complexity and emotional weight of the proceedings.
- Keryl Johnson’s death occurred days after the crash, with authorities noting the victim’s injuries culminated in hospital death days later.
- The trial heard Pike was trained to the highest level of pursuit driving and authorised for pursuit driving, supporting the not-guilty verdict on both charges.
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