Shock as officer cleared in death of young man hit by police car
The family of Arthur Holscher-Ermert, 27, have slammed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after charges against PC Christopher Corker were dropped last minute. The officer, 40, was set to stand trial at London’s Old Bailey for causing Arthur’s death by dangerous driving in Peacehaven, but the case was suddenly dropped on Monday.
The Deadly Incident
Arthur died on April 30, 2022, after being struck by a police patrol car driving on the wrong side of the road. It was alleged PC Corker made a “misguided and dangerous” move to stop Arthur from running away—steering towards him on the wrong side of the street. Horror footage from the police car and a passing motorist showed the tragic moment shortly after 11:10 pm.
Shock Court Ruling
However, two expert reports later agreed the collision could have been avoided if Arthur hadn’t abruptly changed direction. Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC offered no evidence, and PC Corker was formally cleared of dangerous and careless driving charges. Judge Richard Marks KC called it a “tragic accident,” offering condolences to the family.
As PC Corker left court, tempers flared with someone shouting: “You are still responsible for killing Arthur. Never forget his name. Never. Dirty b*****d.”
Family Furious and Devastated
Arthur’s family released a heart-wrenching statement after the hearing: “Instead of attending trial today, we had to process the sudden news that the CPS are dropping charges against PC Corker. This is incredibly upsetting and disappointing after over two years since Arthur’s death. We hoped for answers but now no one will be held criminally accountable. Our fight for truth and justice continues as we prepare for Arthur’s inquest.”
Official Responses and Next Steps
Chief Constable Jo Shiner expressed sympathy and welcomed the court’s outcome, calling the collision a tragic accident. She said thoughts remain with Arthur’s family and the officer. Shiner also called for a swift decision from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on any misconduct proceedings.
An IOPC spokesperson said the CPS’s decision followed new evidence, leading to the officer’s acquittal. They confirmed a parallel misconduct investigation is ongoing against two officers, and the family will be kept updated.
This far-reaching case raises fresh questions over police accountability, with the family still demanding justice for Arthur Holscher-Ermert.
