A former police officer has been acquitted of all charges after a jury ruled he was justified in knocking two men off an electric motorbike to prevent potential harm.

Ex-PC Tim Bradshaw, 55, was found not guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court. The jury reached their verdict in just an hour, also clearing him of an alternative charge of causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention.

Judge David Melville KC, addressing the jury after their decision, emphasised the significance of the case, not just for Mr Bradshaw but for law enforcement across the country.

The court heard that on November 3, 2022, Mr Bradshaw — then an active response officer — had struck the back wheel of an e-bike with his marked Ford Focus police car. This caused the rider, Mason McGarry, and his passenger, Dominic Mizzi, to lose control and crash on Hawthorn Road in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

Mr McGarry, 17 at the time, suffered a broken tibia that required surgery. In his testimony, he claimed Mr Bradshaw gave no warning before making contact. However, Mr McGarry had an extensive criminal record—more than 40 convictions, including robbery, theft, and dangerous driving.

His passenger, Mr Mizzi, 22, also had multiple prior convictions, including assaulting emergency workers.

Bradshaw, a married father-of-one, told the court he acted within his training and was justified in using force to stop the pursuit. He stated that his superiors had previously authorised such “tactical contact” manoeuvres.

“I was presented with a situation which, in my view, was a perfect opportunity to make contact with that bike and stop a pursuit before the risk increased,” Mr Bradshaw explained. He noted that his police car had no damage, reinforcing his claim that the contact was minimal.

Mr Bradshaw also described how e-bike riders had become a persistent challenge for law enforcement in the area. Their ability to evade capture by weaving through alleys and pedestrian zones meant officers were often left powerless to stop them.

The court also heard that Mr Mizzi had previously been injured in a separate e-bike accident, and another young man had died in a crash nearby just a month before the incident.

Following the verdict, Andy Newman, deputy chairman of the Sussex Police Federation, read a statement on Bradshaw’s behalf outside the court: “Today, a jury took just 20 minutes to reach a not guilty verdict, clearing the name of retired PC Tim Bradshaw.

“This case highlights the split-second decisions that police officers must make in the line of duty to uphold the law. Tim hopes that police forces and leadership will show the same bravery and confidence as this jury did in recognising the need to protect communities.

“Police officers like Tim are out there every day, ensuring public safety. He extends his gratitude to his legal team, MGR Solicitors, Sussex Police Federation, and his family for their unwavering support throughout this two-year ordeal.”

Despite the not-guilty verdict, Sussex Police confirmed they would reassess whether Mr Bradshaw should face disciplinary action.

A spokeswoman for the force stated: “Our Professional Standards Department will re-examine the case now that the criminal proceedings have concluded. The force adheres to the College of Policing’s national guidelines on police pursuits and driving standards.”

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, head of roads policing for Surrey and Sussex Police, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to road safety: “We expect the highest driving standards from our officers and staff. It was important for this case to be decided by a jury, and we are grateful to the members of the public who carefully considered all the evidence.”

Mr Bradshaw, who retired in June 2023, has not yet commented on his future plans.