Trial begins of police officer accused of causing death by dangerous driving following Bristol pursuit
A jury has been sworn in
Last updated 8th Jan 2026
A jury has been sworn in the trial of a police officer accused of causing death by dangerous driving.
Matthew Pike, 40, an Avon and Somerset Police constable, faces two charges relating to the death of Keryl Johnson at Newfoundland Circus, in Bristol city centre, in November 2021.
He is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and an alternative charge of causing death by careless driving.
Pike has pleaded not guilty to both charges and a trial, likely to last for up to three weeks, is taking place at Bristol Crown Court.
On Thursday afternoon, the jury of six men and six women were put in charge of the case.
Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, said Pike had been driving an unmarked BMW police car which pursued a Volkswagen Tiguan driven by a man named Lewis Griffin shortly before midnight on November 4 2021.
During the pursuit, the Tiguan collided with a Honda Jazz being driven by Dr Johnson.
She sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital.
"The prosecution's case is that although Lewis Griffin's dangerous driving was the principal and immediate cause of Keryl Johnson's death, Mr Pike's driving was also dangerous and contributed to, and so in terms of the law, caused her death," she said.
"He pursued the car in a manner and for a period of time which was objectively dangerous in that it fell below the standards expected of a careful driver."
Ms Ledward said Pike was "trained to the most advanced level" and had received all the relevant refresher training.
He was authorised, in accordance with Avon and Somerset Police policies, to operate in any emergency phase of driving including the initial pursuit phase and the final tactical phase of a pursuit, she added.
The charges give Dr Johnson's death as November 16 2021.
They allege that Pike was driving a BMW on roads including Temple Gate, Temple Way, Bond Street, the Bearpit roundabout, King's Square Avenue, Armada Place, Nine Tree Hill and Brigstocke Road.
Pike, who denies the two charges against him, is represented by Ray Tully KC and the trial continues.