Motorcyclist Admits Seriously Injuring Sussex Police Officer On Duty

Wednesday, 2 August 2023 15:27

By Jamie Crow

A motorcyclist has been remanded in custody to be sentenced after admitting to seriously injuring a Sussex police officer by dangerous driving in Eastbourne, which left the victim needing surgery.

Alfie Chandler, 20, unemployed, of Burlington Close, Feltham, London, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving without valid insurance, and driving while disqualified at Brighton Magistrates' Court yesterday (August 1).

Police said Chandler was arrested and charged after he struck the officer, who was on foot, while on his motorcycle in Paradise Drive on Sunday afternoon (July 30).

The officer sustained a serious injury and was taken to hospital where he required surgery. The force said he has since been discharged and is now recovering at home.

Police had reportedly earlier attended an address in the town as part of an attempt to make an arrest of a different suspect in connection with thefts, and later attended the Paradise Drive area as some stolen vehicles have been abandoned there in recent days.

Officers said Chandler was then spotted on a motorcycle in Meads Road by two officers in a patrol vehicle.

He reportedly rode away from them, in the direction of two other officers in Paradise Drive who were also in a patrol car.

Those officers got out of a patrol vehicle to direct the rider to stop, but officials said the rider continued and an officer was struck by the vehicle and injured.

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.”