Man jailed over police motorcycle head-on crash

A driver who collided head-on with a police motorcycle during a pursuit has been jailed for four years.

Marvin Geddes, 33, crashed at speed into the officer in Southampton in July 2024, police said.

He pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to causing actual bodily harm to PC Derek Hearn, who escaped more serious injury.

Geddes, of Epping Close, was also sentenced for dangerous driving, a breach of a previous dangerous driving sentence and driving without a licence or insurance.

Police said the defendant's stolen Honda Civic was first spotted by officers in Wimpson Lane at about 21:20 BST on 2 July.

Geddes drove the wrong way around a roundabout and through a red light while being followed, police added.

He hit the motorcyclist on Lords Hill Centre East before driving off and colliding with a car, officers said.

PC Hearn said: "I feel lucky that I haven't lost a limb or even my life from this incident."

Supt Mark Lewis said: "This is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers sometimes face while simply doing their jobs.

"I was absolutely appalled when I saw the footage of this incident. No police officer should ever have to deal with such extreme violence towards them.

"The fact PC Hearn and the driver of the Peugeot were not seriously injured is extremely lucky, considering the severe level of complete disregard Geddes showed to them."

Geddes was also disqualified from driving for 32 months.

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