Retired PC Cleared After E-Bike Crash That Injured Two
A former police officer has been cleared of dangerous driving after a dramatic crash involving an e-bike left two young men hurt in Bognor Regis.
Crash Details: Police Car Hits E-Bike
Ex-PC Tim Bradshaw, 55, from Bersted, was found not guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court after a November 2022 collision. Bradshaw, who was on duty, admitted his marked police vehicle made contact with an e-bike driven by Mason McGarry, 19, with passenger Dominic Mizzi, 22.
The impact caused both men to crash. McGarry suffered a fractured tibia, requiring surgery, while Mizzi escaped with minor injuries.
‘Tactical Contact’ Defended in Court
The jury quickly cleared Bradshaw of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and careless driving after just one hour of deliberation.
Bradshaw told the court he had performed a “tactical contact” manoeuvre authorised by his superiors to halt a risky pursuit.
“I was presented with a perfect opportunity to make contact with that bike and stop the increased risk,” he said.
He described the collision as a “light nudge” and insisted there was no damage to his police car.
Bradshaw also highlighted how hard it is for police to stop e-bikes, given their speed and ability to weave through alleyways.
E-Bike Riders’ Troubled Past Revealed
The court heard both riders had long criminal histories.
- McGarry has over 40 convictions, including for dangerous driving.
- Mizzi has prior offences, including assault on emergency workers.
“It was his own stupid fault,” Bradshaw said of Mizzi’s role in the crash.
Local E-Bike Chaos Under the Spotlight
Evidence showed Mizzi had been hurt in an earlier e-bike accident, while another young rider died nearby just a month before.
Verdict Sparks Debate on Police E-Bike Tactics
Bradshaw, a married father of one, retired from the force in June 2024 and expressed relief at his acquittal.
The case has reopened debates about how police tackle fast, manoeuvrable e-bikes during pursuits, with officers struggling for safe ways to intervene.
