Former Constable Tim Bradshaw Discusses His Legal Battle and the E-Bike Menace in Bognor Regis After His Heroic Intervention

On a sunny spring morning in Bognor Regis, retired police constable Tim Bradshaw is enjoying a peaceful walk along the promenade.

He may no longer wear his uniform, but his face is still a familiar one in the town.

Bradshaw, 55, is well-liked by the locals, who often stop him to say hello and wish him well.

One passerby even comments that he’s the officer who once took down a pair of troublemakers on an electric bike. It’s a story that has made him a local hero.

A Brave Decision That Led to Unwanted Consequences

In November 2022, Bradshaw’s actions on a quiet evening would spark a storm of controversy.

While on patrol, he used his police car to nudge an electric bike ridden by two young criminals, Mason McGarry and Dominic Mizzi, who had been terrorizing Bognor Regis.

Despite the positive impact his actions had on reducing crime in the area, the local police force, Sussex Police, chose to focus on disciplining Bradshaw instead of praising him.

Bradshaw’s decision to perform what he calls “tactical contact” was based on a genuine concern for public safety.

The two offenders were driving at dangerous speeds of over 50mph, putting both themselves and others at risk.

But instead of supporting Bradshaw, his superiors were quick to charge him with dangerous driving, leading to a two-year-long legal battle.

A Public Victory and Personal Loss

After a five-day trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, a jury swiftly acquitted Bradshaw, delivering a clear message in just 20 minutes.

The judge acknowledged the importance of the case, emphasizing that it was a victory not only for Bradshaw but for police officers across the country.

Despite the exoneration, Bradshaw’s relief was bittersweet.

He had already been forced into early retirement due to the immense stress the case had caused him.

“I no longer exist in the eyes of Sussex Police,” he shared, expressing how the case had eroded his passion for the job.

Policing Today: The Challenges of Modern Law Enforcement

Bradshaw’s story shines a light on the current state of policing.

He describes how modern police officers are often hesitant to take action, fearing criticism from above or outside influences.

This fear, he says, has led to a lack of proactivity in addressing crime.

He paints a picture of officers who go through the motions, following orders without truly engaging with the community or using their instincts.

As a proactive officer, Bradshaw prided himself on forming relationships with the people of Bognor Regis.

He knew the local criminals and businesses alike, and his dedication led to successful outcomes.

However, he believes that this approach is becoming rare in today’s policing environment, where officers are more concerned with avoiding mistakes than taking meaningful action.

The E-Bike Menace: A Growing Problem

When electric bikes became the preferred mode of transport for criminals in Bognor Regis, Bradshaw was determined to confront the issue head-on.

These bikes were often used by local youth gangs for committing crimes such as robbery and drug trafficking.

The criminals were emboldened by the lack of consequences for their actions.

Bradshaw remembers how difficult it was to catch these offenders, who knew every shortcut and alleyway to avoid the police.

The growing prevalence of illegal electric bikes is a nationwide problem, with criminals using them to evade capture and carry out their illegal activities.

Bradshaw believes that the current response to these crimes is insufficient.

With minimal punishment for young offenders, the cycle of criminal behavior continues, and police officers are left feeling powerless.

A Personal Encounter with One of the Offenders

Just weeks ago, Bradshaw had another unsettling encounter with McGarry, one of the offenders he had previously stopped.

McGarry was once again causing trouble, this time chasing a terrified teenager through the streets.

When Bradshaw spotted McGarry, he stepped in to stop him from boarding his bus, but the encounter quickly escalated.

McGarry threatened Bradshaw and his family, even smoking cannabis in his face. Despite this, no action was taken against him.

This incident was a stark reminder of the lack of accountability for criminals like McGarry, who continue to wreak havoc without facing meaningful consequences.

For Bradshaw, this experience only reinforced his belief that a shift in how policing is approached is necessary.

The Call for Change in Policing

Bradshaw’s story highlights the urgent need for reform in policing, especially when it comes to tackling issues like illegal electric bikes.

He believes that the police force must empower officers to be more hands-on and decisive in their actions.

“We need to end the box-ticking mentality and put experienced officers in positions to guide younger recruits,” he argues.

Without these changes, Bradshaw fears that criminals will continue to outsmart the police, causing further harm to communities like Bognor Regis.

His story serves as a call to action for those at the top to rethink the current approach to law enforcement and prioritize effective, proactive policing.

Sussex Police, in response to the growing concerns about illegal e-bikes, stated that officers were actively working on operations to tackle the issue.

However, they also acknowledged that their officers are often faced with difficult situations and emphasized the importance of scrutinizing their actions, especially when injuries occur.

Despite the challenges, Bradshaw remains hopeful that change is possible, though he fears it may come too late for him to see the policing system he believes in restored.