A police officer charged with causing death by dangerous driving reached speeds of up to 93mph (150km/h) through a city centre shortly before a fatal crash, a court has heard.
Matthew Pike, 40, was following a white Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Lewis Griffin through Bristol city centre shortly before midnight on 4 November 2021.
The pursuit ended when Griffin’s car collided with a Honda Jazz being driven by Dr Keryl Johnson, 35, Bristol crown court was told.
Johnson was badly injured in the crash at Newfoundland Circus and died several days later in hospital.
Pike was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and an alternative charge of causing death by careless driving.
Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, told the court that although Griffin’s driving was the “primary and immediate cause” of Johnson’s death, Pike’s driving was also “dangerous and contributed too, and so in terms of law, caused her death”.
The court heard that Pike, who was driving a BMW, was trained to the most advanced level for police driving, had received all relevant refresher training and was authorised for pursuit driving.
The pursuit began when Pike activated his blue lights and sirens but Griffin failed to stop.
Forensic experts were able to examine external CCTV cameras to produce average speeds at specific locations for both vehicles during the pursuit.
Ledward told the jury that an average speed of 70mph between two areas of the city centre was recorded.
As they reached the Old Market roundabout, Griffin reached 90mph, while Pike was estimated to be doing 93mph.
CCTV camera captured the collision between the Volkswagen and Johnson’s car.
The court heard Pike stopped at the scene and went to the aid of the occupant of the car while his colleague pursued Griffin on foot.
“PC Pike went to provide assistance to the occupant of the Honda Jazz until he was relieved by colleagues and other emergency workers,” the prosecutor said.
“There is no suggestion that he did anything other than act bravely, professionally and selflessly, and entirely in accordance with his duties as a police officer, in what must have been absolutely dreadful moments.”
Johnson was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died on 16 November 2021.
Pike denies both charges he faces.
The trial continues.
