A jury acquitted a former UK policeman who knocked two men off an e-bike, believing he prevented potential harm.
Tim Bradshaw, 55, was a former police constable. The court cleared him of all charges. He didn’t cause serious injury by dangerous driving. The jury deliberated just one hour and also cleared him of a lesser charge: causing serious injury by careless driving.
Judge David Melville KC spoke to the jury. He emphasized the case’s importance for both Mr. Bradshaw and all law enforcement.
The incident happened November 3, 2022. Bradshaw, then a response officer, hit an e-bike’s back wheel while driving a marked Ford Focus police car. Mason McGarry and Dominic Mizzi crashed, losing control on Hawthorn Road in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.
McGarry, 17, broke his tibia and needed surgery. He claimed Bradshaw gave no warning before impact. McGarry had a long criminal history with over 40 convictions including robbery, theft, and dangerous driving.
Mizzi, 22, was McGarry’s passenger. He also had prior convictions, including assaulting emergency workers.
Bradshaw said he followed his training and acted to stop the pursuit, authorized by his superiors using “tactical contact” maneuvers. He emphasized that he is a married father.
Bradshaw felt he could stop the bike safely and prevent increasing risk. His police car had no damage. He said the contact was minimal.
E-bike riders posed a problem, said Bradshaw, as they could evade capture easily by using alleys and pedestrian zones. Officers often couldn’t stop them.
Mizzi had a prior e-bike accident. Another young man died nearby a month earlier in a similar crash type.
Andy Newman, representing the Sussex Police Federation, stated that the jury quickly reached a verdict, clearing retired PC Tim Bradshaw.
Newman said this case shows police make fast choices to uphold the law. He added that Tim hopes police show the same bravery and protect communities. Officers like Tim ensure public safety every day. He thanked his legal team, the police, and his family also supported him.
Sussex Police will review Bradshaw’s actions and might take disciplinary action. The force follows national guidelines regarding police pursuits and driving standards.
Superintendent Rachel Glenton, who leads roads policing, stressed road safety and the importance of officers meeting high driving standards. She added that the public carefully reviewed all the evidence and a jury decision was important.
Bradshaw retired in June 2023. He hasn’t said what he’ll do next.