When officers in Aberdeen came across the 28-year-old man just after midnight on 26 June 2019, they instructed him to stop but he failed to do so. He and his pillion passenger were then pursued for 20 minutes around various areas of the city.

As the man drove along the cycle path of the disused Old Deeside railway line he was confronted by four officers standing across the track. The man swerved, avoiding the officers but losing control of the motorcycle and colliding with the tree.

An investigation report by the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) concluded that the police responded properly and proportionately to the incident. The motorcyclist’s recklessness and loss of control was considered the major contributory factor to the collision and serious injuries he sustained.

During the pursuit, officers activated blue lights and sirens in an attempt to bring the vehicle to a stop. However, the driver continued to drive dangerously, significantly exceeding the speed limit on numerous occasions.

The investigation also found that both men had removed their crash helmets shortly before the incident, presumably to deter police from attempting to stop them. The 28-year-old motorcyclist sustained serious injuries. He was arrested following the crash and later convicted.