Officer cleared of causing death by dangerous driving following judge’s ruling

PC Matthew Pike, 40, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, as well as an alternative offence of causing death by careless driving.

It follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the circumstances of a road traffic collision in Newfoundland Circus, Bristol, on November 5, 2021.

The officer had been driving an unmarked police car, equipped with emergency lights and a siren, in pursuit of a vehicle, a VW Tiguan, which failed to stop for police. The VW Tiguan, which was travelling at high speed, crashed into a Honda Jazz near Cabot Circus. The driver of the Honda died in hospital as a result of her injuries.

In February 2024, a 21-year-old man, who was the driver of the VW Tiguan, was jailed for eight years and disqualified from driving for ten years for causing death by dangerous driving.

At Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday (January 21), the trial judge dismissed the criminal case against PC Pike, due to evidence provided by an expert witness for the prosecution, who said PC Pike’s driving was in accordance with his police training and authorised professional practice, and was neither dangerous nor careless. As a result, the judge said the evidence in the case was “not sufficient” for a jury to find him guilty of the offences he was charged with.

Detective Superintendent Larisa Hunt, head of the force’s Professional Standards Department, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are first and foremost with the family of the victim of this collision, who’ve been through an unimaginable ordeal.

“The circumstances of this collision were investigated by the IOPC, which resulted in the Crown Prosecution Service deciding to bring a criminal charge against a serving police officer.

“This case has now been dismissed by the trial judge and PC Pike has been acquitted. Following this development, we’ll be engaging in direct conversations with the IOPC to discuss the next steps.

“The officer has been waiting for the outcome of this criminal investigation for four years and it’s right to say this delay has had a significant impact on him. We’ll continue to ensure he has the support he needs in place.”

Avon and Somerset Police Federation welcomed the court’s decision.

In  statement it said: “The officer’s actions, now fully scrutinised through both the IOPC process and the judicial process, have been found to align with police training, policy, and the expectations placed upon officers when responding to crime and protecting the public.

“We note that the prosecution expert witness told the court that PC Pike did not drive dangerously or carelessly. In dismissing the case, the Judge stated: “On the contrary, put simply he said Matthew Pike did his job as he was trained to do it.”

“With the conclusion of court proceedings, we hope that all parties – most importantly the officer and the bereaved family – are now able to begin moving forward.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and all those affected. No legal finding can lessen the emotional impact of such a loss, and we acknowledge the grief that continues for those who mourn.”

The Federation added: “The role of policing often requires difficult and dynamic decision‑making in challenging circumstances, and this case exemplifies the weight of that responsibility.

“What cannot be ignored is the extraordinary duration of this investigation and judicial process, which has been ongoing since November 2021.

“Prolonged scrutiny of this nature places a significant and lasting burden not only on the officer involved, but on their family, colleagues and the wider policing community.

“Effective oversight and accountability are essential to public confidence in policing. But they must also be timely and proportionate. This case raises serious questions about whether that balance has been achieved, and the IOPC must change how investigations of this kind are be progressed much more efficiently.

“We would now look for any potential conduct proceedings hanging over PC Pike to be dealt with expediently following this correct not guilty verdict.”