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A police officer was overcome with emotion and wept after being formally cleared of causing the death of a motorist during a high-speed police chase. PC Matthew Pike, aged 40, faced trial over the fatal crash involving Dr Keryl Johnson in central Bristol in November 2021. The incident occurred during a pursuit in which Pike was driving an unmarked Avon and Somerset Police vehicle.
The fatal collision took place at Newfoundland Circus when the suspect, Lewis Griffin, collided with Dr Johnson’s car. Dr Johnson, 35, succumbed to her injuries 11 days after the crash. Judge Edward Burgess KC, presiding at Bristol Crown Court, instructed the jury to deliver not guilty verdicts for Pike, citing insufficient evidence in what he described as “a difficult, incredibly sad and tragic case.”
It was revealed during the trial that during the pursuit on 4 November 2021, Pike reached speeds of up to 93mph (149km/h) while chasing 23-year-old Griffin, who resides in the Hengrove area of Bristol. Earlier in 2024, Griffin was sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting to causing Dr Johnson’s death by dangerous driving. He also received a 10-year driving ban that will begin after his release from custody. Reporting restrictions meant the conviction could only now be made public.
The judge emphasized that after careful consideration of all evidence and legal arguments, there was no sufficient proof that PC Pike drove in a dangerous or careless manner. The prosecution’s expert, qualified in police driving and pursuits, testified that Pike acted appropriately throughout the chase. The judge affirmed, “Put simply, Matthew Pike did his job as he was trained to.” Pike was certified to the highest level for police driving and pursuit operations, having completed all necessary refresher courses. The case was acknowledged by the judge as profoundly tragic, underscoring the complex nature of such incidents.
Detective Superintendent Larisa Hunt, who leads professional standards for Avon and Somerset Police, expressed condolences to the victim’s family. She confirmed that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had investigated the collision, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to charge the officer. Hunt also noted ongoing discussions with the IOPC about next steps, and acknowledged the emotional toll the four-year wait for the investigation outcome had on PC Pike. “We’ll continue to ensure he has the support he needs in place,” she said
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