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Police Officer Cleared in death of GP Following High-Speed Chase
Published: 2026/01/21 16:36:47
The Case Overview
A police officer, Matthew Pike, has been acquitted of causing the death of Keryl Johnson, a General Practitioner, following a high-speed pursuit in Bristol in November 2021. The incident occured when a vehicle driven by Lewis Griffin collided with Ms. Johnson’s car during a chase initiated by Pc Pike. The case hinged on whether Pc pike’s driving constituted hazardous or careless driving. The jury ultimately found him not guilty on all charges.
The Pursuit and collision
On November 4, 2021, Pc Pike was pursuing Lewis Griffin, who was driving a white volkswagen Tiguan, through the city center of Bristol. During the pursuit, Pc Pike reached speeds of up to 93 mph in his unmarked BMW police car. The BBC reported on the details of the chase and the subsequent examination. The pursuit ended when Griffin’s vehicle collided with a Honda Jazz driven by Ms. Johnson at Newfoundland Circus. Ms. Johnson sustained severe injuries and died several days later in hospital.
The Court Ruling
Judge Edward Burgess KC ruled that the prosecution failed to prove it’s case beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge emphasized that the prosecution’s own expert witness testified that Pc Pike did not drive dangerously or carelessly, stating he was performing his duties as trained. Sky News detailed the judge’s comments, highlighting the expert’s assessment that the officer adhered to his training protocols.
Police Pursuit Training and Standards
The court heard that Pc Pike had received advanced police driving training and was authorized to conduct pursuits. Police pursuit training typically covers a range of skills, including risk assessment, vehicle control, and tactical decision-making. The College of Policing sets national standards for police driving and pursuit policies in the UK, emphasizing the need to balance the pursuit of suspects with the safety of the public.
Lewis Griffin’s Sentence
Lewis Griffin, the driver who initiated the chase, was sentenced to eight years in prison in February 2024 after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving. He was also disqualified from driving for ten years. The Bristol Post reported on Griffin’s sentencing and the impact on Ms. Johnson’s family.
Key Takeaways
- Pc Matthew Pike was cleared of all charges related to the death of Keryl Johnson.
- The judge ruled the prosecution did
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