Christopher Moran, whose son was friends with Mr Hicks, 18, said there was "hardly any traffic" when the van he was driving was overtaken by a moped, followed by the first of two unmarked police cars which he said he believed were travelling at around 60-70mph on Caledonian Road.
Four to five seconds later the first of two unmarked police cars with blue flashing lights "flew past" his white Toyota van, he said.
"My van actually rocked, the speed they were going, it made me nervous," he told coroner Mary Hassell.
"I thought it was my son driving and I got extremely nervous.
"I was so nervous, so I chased the police in my van.
As you do...
"The inquest also heard from driver Raitis Liepins, who described the moment Mr Hicks flew off his moped and collided with his dark blue Saab after swerving onto the wrong side of the road on Wheelwright Street.
He said the moped made a "really sharp movement" as it attempted to overtake a vehicle, which could have been caused by the driver losing control when trying to brake.
Then, Mr Liepins said, the moped fell sideways and Mr Hicks "hit my car with his body", leaving blood on the road.
It took five or six seconds from when he first saw blue flashing lights for the police cars to arrive at the accident scene, the court heard.
Another Darwin Award handed out.
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has rightly expressed concerns regarding police chase deaths. Sir Bernard recently told reporters that in spite of the high cost of sending all Met police drivers on crash courses, it may still be necessary to fit pursuit car wheels with scythed blades in a bid to exceed target figures.
ReplyDeleteA moped is speed limited to 30mph, it has a 49cc engine. High speed chase,really?
ReplyDeleteAnother Darwin award winner.
I offer you this update from the inquest. Bastard cops chasing young entrepreneurs eh? I am amazed that any police officer would put their job or their liberty on the line trying to arrest people like this if the result is years of suspicion and stress. As has been said society gets the policing it deserves and I would imagine the IPCC are desperate to get a notch on their gun after this incident. Remember this is four officers with their lives and careers on hold for an indefinite period.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/henry-hicks-inquest-teenager-carrying-bags-of-drugs-before-fatal-moped-crash-a3272881.html
And from earlier in the year another incident, again with the IPCC carrying out a criminal investigation into the officers involved.
http://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2016/02/moped-rider-killed-in-hackney-police-chase/
And you wonder why the police might appear to be reluctant to do things? I look forward to another glib and snarky reply from you.
Retired
"I look forward to another glib and snarky reply from you."
ReplyDeleteAsk and it will be given unto you.
"A moped is speed limited to 30mph, it has a 49cc engine. High speed chase,really?"
ReplyDeleteJournalistic hyperbole...
"I am amazed that any police officer would put their job or their liberty on the line trying to arrest people like this if the result is years of suspicion and stress."
Well, quite.