On a bright spring morning, retired police constable Tim Bradshaw takes a stroll along the promenade in Bognor Regis.
Though he no longer wears the uniform, his presence is still felt.
Locals greet him warmly, acknowledging the years he spent protecting their town.
Even a heavily tattooed ex-con offers him a respectful nod.
By the bandstand, an elderly man gestures toward Bradshaw with his walking stick and tells his friend, “That’s the copper who took down those thugs on the e-bike.”
His companion, dressed in a sharp suit, replies, “Good on him.”
Bradshaw’s story is one of dedication, controversy, and ultimately, betrayal by the very force he served for more than two decades.
While many in this seaside town believe he deserves a medal, Sussex Police saw things differently.
The Night That Changed Everything
On November 3, 2022, Bradshaw made a split-second decision that would alter the course of his life.
Two notorious young criminals, Mason McGarry and Dominic Mizzi, were tearing through town on an illegal electric bike, reaching speeds over 50mph.
These weren’t harmless kids out for a joyride—this was a duo that had terrorized the community.
Seeing an opportunity, Bradshaw used a tactic known as “tactical contact,” tapping their bike with his patrol car to bring them to a stop.
It worked. The crime wave that had gripped Bognor Regis momentarily eased.
But instead of receiving praise, Bradshaw was swiftly prosecuted for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Despite the overwhelming public support, the case hung over him for two years.
It eroded his passion for policing and ultimately forced him into early retirement.
When he finally stood trial, a jury took just 20 minutes to clear his name.
The judge, recognizing the broader implications of the case, remarked, “This was an important case, not just for this defendant, but for the entire country.”
A Police Force Focused on Perception
Bradshaw’s ordeal exposes a troubling reality about modern policing.
His years on the force taught him that crime-fighting isn’t just about catching criminals—it’s also about navigating bureaucratic obstacles, political pressures, and public relations concerns.
“Fear of criticism dictates everything,” he says. “Officers are constantly looking over their shoulders, afraid to make the wrong move.”
This caution extends to recruitment. New officers, Bradshaw argues, often lack the instinct or willingness to proactively police.
“Many just go from job to job, heads down, doing only what’s necessary,” he laments.
“They don’t build relationships with the community, and they don’t develop the ‘copper’s nose’—the ability to act on instinct.”
The E-Bike Epidemic
Illegal electric bikes have become a serious problem in towns like Bognor Regis.
They are favored by criminals who exploit their speed and agility to evade capture.
County lines drug gangs use them for fast deliveries, and young offenders see them as the perfect getaway vehicle.
“They taunt officers, knowing full well that we can’t catch them,” Bradshaw explains.
“They zip through alleyways we can’t follow, kick our patrol cars, and give us the finger.
It’s a game to them.”
Despite their growing menace, consequences for these offenders remain weak.
“The system coddles them,” he says.
Instead of punishment, they get sit-down chats with youth offending teams.
I’ve seen repeat offenders rewarded with new trainers and gaming consoles just to keep them out of trouble.”
A Career Cut Short
Bradshaw, once an officer who went beyond the call of duty, is now a bus driver.
Just last week, he encountered McGarry again—this time, chasing a terrified teenager down the street.
When Bradshaw intervened, McGarry didn’t back down.
Instead, he taunted him, reminding everyone on the bus that he had cost Bradshaw his job.
Then he blew cannabis smoke in his face and threatened his family.
“No action was taken against him,” Bradshaw says with a resigned shake of his head.
“That’s where we are now.”
The Future of Policing
As he finishes his story, another passerby greets him with a friendly smile.
For all the injustice he has faced, there are still people who recognize and appreciate what he stood for.
“The only way forward is to bring back real policing,” he insists.
“We need experienced officers mentoring the younger ones, less obsession with PR, and more focus on taking action.
Otherwise, criminals like McGarry will continue running circles around the system.”
Sussex Police, for their part, acknowledge the issue of illegal e-bike crime and claim they are taking action.
Yet, for officers like Bradshaw, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
“We need to empower officers to do their jobs without fear,” Bradshaw says.
“Otherwise, the criminals will keep winning.”