A retired police officer has been acquitted by a jury for knocking two men off an electric motorbike in an effort to “protect life.” Former PC Tim Bradshaw, 55, was found not guilty of causing serious injury through dangerous driving after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court. The jury deliberated for just one hour before reaching their verdict, which also cleared him of an alternative charge of causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention. The incident occurred on November 3, 2022, on Hawthorn Road in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.
During the trial, it was revealed that the responding officer made contact with the back wheel of the e-bike using his marked Ford Focus police car, leading to the rider, Mason McGarry, and passenger Dominic Mizzi losing control and falling. At the time, McGarry, who was 17, sustained a broken tibia that required surgery and testified that Bradshaw did not issue any warning before the incident. The court also noted that McGarry had over 40 prior convictions, including robbery and dangerous driving, while Mizzi, 22, had multiple convictions, including assaulting emergency workers.
Bradshaw, a married father of one who retired in June of the previous year, argued that Mizzi’s involvement in the incident was due to his “own stupid fault.” He stated that the “tactical contact” maneuver he employed had been previously authorized by his superiors, allowing him to use “reasonable force.”
In court, Bradshaw explained that he believed he had a perfect opportunity to intervene and stop the pursuit, which posed an increased risk. He described the contact with the e-bike as a “nudge” and emphasized that it was light enough not to leave a mark on his police car. He maintained that his actions were justified and necessary.
Bradshaw also highlighted the challenges police face in pursuing electric motorbikes in the area, noting that they often cannot stop riders due to the vehicles’ speed and ability to navigate narrow spaces. The court heard that Mizzi had previously been injured in an e-bike accident, and another young man had died in a nearby crash the month before.
Following the verdict, Andy Newman, deputy chairman of Sussex Police Federation, issued a statement on behalf of Bradshaw, expressing gratitude for the jury’s decision. He emphasized that police officers must make quick decisions to uphold the law and expressed hope that police organizations would demonstrate the same bravery and confidence shown by the jury in supporting community safety.
Good, about time people backed the Police. They would have plenty of opportunity to have stopped, but no. Well tough, you payed the price. Don’t pick an argument with something bigger than you. Car versus motorbike, my monies on a car ever time