Trial set for police officer accused of killing driver

Matthew Pike will face trial in January

A trial date has been set for a police officer accused of causing death by dangerous driving while pursuing a vehicle in an unmarked car.

Avon and Somerset Police constable Matthew Pike, 38, appeared before Bristol Crown Court earlier accused of killing Keryl Johnson in November 2021.

He also faces an alternative charge of causing Dr Johnson's death by careless or inconsiderate driving during the incident in Newfoundland Circus, Bristol.

Mr Pike did not enter plea, and a provisional trial date of 5 January was set.

He was released on unconditional bail.

Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, told the court: “This case arises out of a fatal collision that took place very shortly after midnight on November 5, 2021 which resulted in the death of Keryl Johnson.”

The court heard Pike had been driving an unmarked police car that was in pursuit of another vehicle, which then collided with Dr Johnson’s car.

Previously, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said the charges related to a road traffic collision in Newfoundland Circus in 2021.

The two charges state Dr Johnson died 11 days after the crash.