PC on trial for dangerous driving after chase crash

A POLICE officer who used his van to stop a criminal illegally riding a motorcycle has himself gone on trial for dangerous driving.

PC James Ellerton acted to prevent Devere Ogungboro, who was serving a suspended sentence for a previous offence, from putting the public in harm’s way.

A court heard that in September last year, Ogungboro, 27, who had no lights on or registration plate, was doing wheelies, weaving in and out of traffic and driving across the wrong side of the road through the centre of Liverpool.

PC Ellerton was on duty as part of an armed response unit, and followed the bike in an unmarked police van. When Ogungboro turned around, PC Ellerton drove onto the other side of the road to block the bike, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

As the rider tried to get past the police van, PC Ellerton turned his vehicle into the scrambler bike, knocking Ogungboro off it.

The court heard that although PC Ellerton is a ‘good man’, he is on trial because he did not follow ‘policies’ on vehicle pursuits.

Ian Hope, prosecuting, told the jury that police are not allowed to pursue motorcyclists due to the risks involved and can only do so in ‘exceptional’ circumstances’ – and must have the approval of a senior officer.

PC Ellerton denies a single count of dangerous driving. Interviewed by colleagues while under suspicion of the charge, he said that he had seen the way the bike was being driven and he had a duty to protect the public.

Ogungboro will also go on trial at a later date, accused of the same offence arising from the same incident. The trial continues.