In a highly emotional courtroom scene, a police officer broke down in tears as he was cleared of all charges related to the death of a woman during a high-speed pursuit in Bristol. The case, which concluded at Bristol Crown Court, centred on the tragic events of November 2021 that resulted in the loss of Dr Keryl Johnson, a 35-year-old general practitioner.
Courtroom Drama and Legal Ruling
Pc Matthew Pike, aged 40, faced accusations of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving. However, after legal submissions from his defence barrister, Ray Tully KC, Judge Edward Burgess KC ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case. The judge directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on all counts, bringing the proceedings to an end.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The court heard that on the night of 4 November 2021, Pc Pike was involved in a pursuit of a white Volkswagen Tiguan driven by suspect Lewis Griffin through Bristol city centre. Operating an unmarked BMW police vehicle, Pc Pike reached speeds of up to 93mph during the chase. The pursuit culminated in a catastrophic collision at Newfoundland Circus, where Griffin's vehicle struck a Honda Jazz being driven by Dr Johnson.
Dr Johnson sustained severe injuries in the crash and tragically passed away several days later while receiving hospital treatment. The incident has been described by the judge as "a dreadfully difficult, incredibly sad and utterly tragic case", highlighting the profound impact on all involved parties.
Expert Testimony and Training Standards
Key to the defence was testimony from a prosecution expert witness, who specialised in police pursuits, training, and driving standards. This expert stated that, in their professional opinion, Pc Pike did not drive dangerously or carelessly at any point during the pursuit. Instead, they affirmed that he performed his duties in accordance with his training protocols.
Judge Burgess emphasised this point in his ruling, noting that the evidence showed Pc Pike "did his job as he was trained to do it". The officer had received advanced-level police driving training, along with all necessary refresher courses, and was fully authorised for pursuit driving activities.
Aftermath and Related Conviction
In a separate legal proceeding, Lewis Griffin, the driver of the Volkswagen Tiguan, was sentenced in February 2024. Griffin, aged 23, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and received an eight-year prison sentence. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for a period of ten years, underscoring the serious consequences of his actions.
The conclusion of this case marks a significant moment for the Bristol community and raises broader questions about police pursuit protocols and public safety. While Pc Pike has been exonerated, the tragic loss of Dr Johnson continues to resonate, serving as a sombre reminder of the risks associated with high-speed chases on urban roads.
