A man with a lengthy criminal history is suing the police department after an officer used a patrol car to stop him cycling away from a minor infraction. James McNeilly, 46, who has amassed more than 200 offenses over 25 years, including violent robberies and fraud, revealed the legal action during a court appearance where he was being sentenced for new offenses.
The incident occurred on March 15, 2024, when officers observed McNeilly discarding a sandwich while stopped at traffic lights in Norwich, Norfolk. When McNeilly rode away, the unmarked patrol car activated its blue lights and followed him, eventually making contact and causing him to fall. McNeilly sustained minor injuries and did not seek hospital treatment.
"He has a civil claim against the police for an incident where he was hit by a police car, resulting in leg injuries and head trauma," McNeilly's solicitor, James Burrows, told magistrates.
The officer driving the patrol car, PC Frederick Boyle, resigned from the force and was subsequently dismissed at a misconduct hearing for deliberately causing the collision. Specially trained officers are permitted to use a tactic known as 'tactical contact' to stop individuals on bicycles or mopeds, but its use is subject to strict rules regarding proportionality and reasonableness. This tactic is typically employed against suspects involved in crimes such as robbery, theft, or reckless driving.
In February, a police misconduct panel report stated that PC Boyle had seen "Mr M" toss the sandwich, activated his blue lights, ran a red light, and then drove into the cyclist. PC Boyle then left the scene without reporting the incident, citing fears of