A man has pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving to an officer on duty in Eastbourne. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 30, at around 4pm, when a collision took place between a motorcycle and an officer on foot in Paradise Drive.
The officer sustained a serious injury and was taken to the hospital for surgery. He has since been discharged and is now recovering at home.
Police had earlier attended an address in the town as part of an attempt to arrest a different suspect in connection with thefts. Officers later went to the Paradise Drive area where stolen vehicles had recently been abandoned.
A motorcycle rider was spotted by two officers in a patrol vehicle in Meads Road. The rider rode away from them towards two other officers in Paradise Drive who were also in a patrol car. Those officers got out of their vehicle to direct the rider to stop, but the rider continued, with the vehicle striking and injuring one of the officers.
The rider, identified as Alfie Chandler, 20, of Burlington Close, Feltham, London, was arrested by officers. He was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, handling stolen goods, driving without valid insurance, and driving while disqualified.
On Tuesday, August 1, Chandler appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court where he admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving without valid insurance, and driving while disqualified. He denied handling stolen goods.
Chandler was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Lewes Crown Court on August 29.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “At the weekend, an officer was seriously injured while carrying out his duties to protect the public.
“We are fortunate to have committed police officers who signed up to help protect vulnerable people and to make our communities a safer place.
“Officers do not sign up to be seriously injured, but sadly this is a risk all emergency workers face. It is not acceptable and should never be considered as simply ‘part of the job’.
“These incidents impact on officers and their colleagues, and it also means that fewer officers are available to respond to emergencies while they receive medical treatment.
“That is why we will do everything we can to ensure that those responsible for causing harm are brought to justice.”
