An Avon and Somerset Police officer has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The 38-year-old police constable is set to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 12 September, facing charges under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The officer is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, as well as an alternative charge of causing death by careless driving. The charges relate to a road traffic collision that occurred on 5 November 2021 in Newfoundland Circus, in Bristol city centre.
The incident involved the officer driving an unmarked police vehicle in pursuit of a Volkswagen Tiguan that had failed to stop for police. During the pursuit, the Volkswagen Tiguan collided with a Honda Jazz, resulting in serious injuries to the driver of the Honda. Tragically, the driver later died in hospital.
The IOPC initiated its investigation after receiving a mandatory referral from Avon and Somerset Police in November 2021. Upon completing the investigation, the IOPC submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which subsequently authorised the charges.
The officer’s legal representatives have indicated that they will seek to keep the officer’s identity anonymous, meaning the officer’s name has not been released at this stage.
The case will proceed to court as investigations continue into the tragic incident.
