Shocking dashcam footage released today shows the moment a reckless thug driving a stolen car ploughed head-on into a police officer on a motorbike.
PC Derek Hearn was following ‘extremely dangerous’ driver Marvin Geddes, 33, after trying to pull him over for suspected cloned registration plates.
The pursuit was called off by Hampshire Constabulary for fear it was too dangerous but motorcyclist PC Hearn did not get the message before Geddes smashed into him.
Dramatic dashcam footage from his motorbike captures the moment Geddes slams into PC Hearn at speed in Southampton, Hampshire.
The police constable – who said he is ‘lucky’ to be alive – was thrown off his bike and was left suffering with severe pain and swelling to his right leg.
Now, Geddes has been jailed for four years.
Southampton Crown Court heard the officer had attempted to stop a Honda Civic with ‘suspected cloned plates’ after it was spotted in the city on July 2.
A ‘short pursuit’ ensued which saw Geddes driving the black car in an ‘extremely dangerous manner’ at speeds of 50mph in 20mph zones.
This is the terrifying moment a thug in a stolen car slammed into a police officer riding a motorbike during a high-speed chase in Southampton
PC Derek Hearn was following ‘extremely dangerous’ driver Marvin Geddes, 33, after trying to pull him over for suspected cloned registration plates (pictured is the moment of the crash)
Geddes (pictured), from Southampton, has now been jailed for four years for the incident
Officers said he was driving the wrong way around a roundabout, travelling on the wrong side of the road, and jumped a red light.
Worried officers later called off the chase, but PC Hearn never received the message.
Prosecutor Laura Duff said: ‘PC Hearn was on Lordshill Centre East when he became aware of the Honda Civic, driven by the defendant, travelling towards him.
‘He described this part of the road as a ‘pinch point’ and moved over to the left-hand side and slowed to a stop.
‘The vehicle did not return to the correct side of the road and instead hit PC Hearn on his bike.’
The Honda crashed straight into the officer at speed.
The court heard Geddes did not stay at the scene and sped off before he was then involved in a collision with a Peugeot 108.
The criminal then abandoned his car and fled the scene on foot.
PC Hearn – who said he is ‘lucky’ to be alive – was thrown off his bike and was left suffering with severe pain and swelling to his right leg.
Miraculously, he was left with just minor injuries. Pictured is the aftermath of the crash
Police said the car was later confirmed to have been stolen from an address in Southampton in 2023.
Today, Geddes was handed a 48-month sentence after previously pleading guilty to attempting to cause actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and driving without a licence and driving without insurance.
PC Hearn said: ‘I feel lucky that I haven’t lost a limb or even my life from this incident.
‘As a police officer I pride myself on doing my job to the best of my ability to safeguard the public. I do not accept that my life should be put in danger because of that.’
Superintendent 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.’
Speaking after the sentencing, Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones said: ‘Police officers sacrifice their own safety to fight crime and to protect the public every day.
‘The challenges they face are significant. It is unacceptable for any police officer or public servant to be subjected to any type of violence or intimidation in the course of their duties.
‘Officers work hard to feel valued and supported by the communities they are working to protect. Those found to be endangering the lives of officers should feel the force of the law.’
