Ex-Sussex Cop Cleared After Pedestrian Smash in Brighton
A former Sussex Police officer who seriously injured a pedestrian while rushing to an emergency in Brighton has been cleared of misconduct. The panel ruled there was no breach of professional standards after a three-day hearing.
The Incident That Sparked Investigation
On 17 July 2019, ex-PC Louie Wellfare, 30, was responding to an emergency call in a marked police car. While overtaking a taxi turning right, he swerved and struck a pedestrian on the pavement, causing serious leg injuries. The victim was rushed to hospital.
Misconduct Hearing and Legal Action
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation shortly after the crash. The case was deemed serious enough for a gross misconduct hearing held at Horsham Police Station under an independent legally qualified chair (LQC).
A file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which charged Wellfare in March 2021 with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. But a Brighton Crown Court jury acquitted him in March 2022.
Panel Clears Former Officer, Apologises to Victim
“Sussex Police takes all matters of conduct seriously and always support IOPC investigations,” said Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, deputy head of Professional Standards. “Our officers receive specialist training for emergency driving with blue lights and sirens.
The panel found former PC Wellfare did not breach standards of professional behaviour. Regardless of fault, we are sorry a member of the public was injured. Emergency driving comes with risks but is vital to protect the public and catch criminals.”
The panel’s verdict puts the spotlight back on the dangers faced by police responding to urgent calls – and the fine line between duty and risk on the roads.
