On 2 February 2020, PC Paul Fisher raced to the scene of a terror attack in Streatham, where Sudesh Amman had stabbed two innocent bystanders. After being informed over the radio that lives were at serious risk and shots had been fired, PC Fisher led a two-car armed convoy at high speed.
During this urgent response, PC Fisher collided with three cars and a garden wall, injuring two other drivers before arriving at the scene of the attack.
The trial at Southwark Crown Court lasted six days, after which the jury unanimously found PC Fisher not guilty of dangerous driving.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley criticised the treatment of PC Fisher, stating: “If an officer makes honest mistakes under the most immense pressure rushing to a terrorist incident, it’s a disgrace they face criminal trial nearly four years later. The treatment of this brave officer is appalling.”
He added, “No other country would drag its top-trained cops to court after responding to such a serious attack while trying to save lives. PC Fisher’s driving errors were made under intense pressure protecting the public.”
Sir Mark Rowley continued, “The right response would have been quick review, retraining, maybe warnings—not years of stress and legal wrangling. Officers are now scared to use their powers because of this fear.”
“The system must change or cops will fear it more than the criminals and terrorists they face daily. Officers expect accountability, but it must be fair, swift, and recognise split-second decisions. The current setup fails on all fronts.”
“I’m thankful the Home Office and Attorney General are reviewing this issue. We will support them fully,” he concluded.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation immediately after the incident in February 2020. They also investigated the second armed officer in the convoy, who continued to the scene despite the crash.
In May 2021, the IOPC referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). PC Fisher was charged with dangerous driving and appeared in court in August 2022. Charges against the other officer were dropped.
Both officers were suspended from driving duties during the investigation. With the trial now concluded, police are liaising with the IOPC on the next steps.
Originally published by UKNIP.
