IPCA clears police over motorcyclist's death during pursuit

File photo / Mark Mitchell

Police have been cleared of any wrongdoing over the death of a 22-year-old motorcyclist after a pursuit in Palmerston North last year.

The finding, from the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), comes the day after another pursuit in which an elderly Christchurch couple were killed by a driver trying to flee police.

The IPCA found the officer pursuing unlicensed rider Martyn Dillon followed all appropriate laws and policies.

Mr Dillon was carrying a helmet-less pillion passenger while speeding on a stolen high performance motorcycle when he was spotted by the officer on Ruahine St about 11.20pm on December 19.

The officer did a U-turn to follow Mr Dillon, and activated both lights and sirens.

Forty five seconds later, Mr Dillon lost control of the motorcycle and crashed at a roundabout on John F Kennedy Drive.

He lost his helmet, sustained serious injuries, and died at the scene.

The passenger was also seriously injured.

The pursuit was found to have covered 1.32km, with the motorcycle averaging 158km/h in a 50km/h zone.

Witnesses confirmed the police officer was travelling at a much lower speed and did not actually witness the crash.

Environmental Science and Research (ESR) found Mr Dillon had nearly twice the legal blood alcohol limit and had smoked cannabis within several hours of his death.

"(The) officer complied with the Land Transport Act 1988, and with the police pursuit policy in commencing this pursuit. He considered the relevant risk factors and formed the view that the immediate need to apprehend the offender outweighed the risks," the IPCA said.

The officer complied with all police policies about communication, speed and manner of driving.

The police communications centre also handled the pursuit appropriately.

The IPCA made no recommendations.

- NZPA