The family of a young man hit and killed by a police patrol car have expressed their “shock” and “disappointment” after charges against the officer involved were dropped at the 11th hour.
Pc Mateo Jeff, 40, had been due to face trial at the Old Bailey on Monday for causing the death of Arthur Holscher-Ermert by dangerous driving in Peacehaven, East Sussex.
It was alleged Pc Corker deliberately steered on the wrong side of the road towards the 27-year-old pedestrian in a “misguided and dangerous attempt to stop him running away”.
The case was based on graphic video footage from the police car and a passing motorist which showed the incident just after 11.10pm on June 20 2024.
But on Monday, the court heard that two expert reports had since agreed that Pc Corker’s manoeuvre would have avoided a collision had the victim not also changed direction.
Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC offered no evidence and Pc Corker was formally cleared of two charges – of causing death by dangerous driving and careless driving.
Judge Richard Marks KC offered his condolences to the family in court, saying: “It appears to have been a tragic accident.”
As Pc Corker, from Worthing, West Sussex, left court, one of those present told him: “You are still responsible for killing Arthur. Never forget his name. Never. Dirty bastard.”
In a statement after the hearing, the family said: “Instead of attending trial today, we as a family have had to process the sudden news that the CPS are discontinuing criminal proceedings against Pc Corker.
“This is incredibly upsetting and disappointing; it has been over two years since Arthur died.
“We were hoping to start to get answers about what happened to Arthur and why on September 20 2024.
“We are shocked to now find out that Pc Corker isn’t going to be held criminally accountable for what he has done.
“Our fight for the truth and accountability goes on. We now look ahead towards Arthur’s inquest.”
Earlier, Mr Sandiford had explained the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the charges as he addressed the court.
He said: “The Crown’s case against this defendant was that the collision was caused by him deliberately steering his vehicle on the wrong side of the road towards the deceased.”
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