Woman convicted of murdering e-bike rider in feud

A 36-year-old woman has been found guilty of killing a man by intentionally striking him with a Range Rover. Zoe Treadwell was convicted by a jury at Winchester Crown Court for the April 9 murder of 28-year-old Joey Johnstone in Bournemouth, amid an ongoing personal feud.

She was also found guilty of the attempted murder of her former partner, Joshua Lovell, as well as causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Free Jenkins in a separate incident on May 1. Prosecutors described her actions as using vehicles as "weapons" in both attacks.

Another defendant, 25-year-old Jonjay Harrison, was convicted of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm to Mr. Lovell and Mr. Jenkins. Two additional defendants, Taylor Warwick, 18, and a 17-year-old male, were acquitted of murder, manslaughter, and attempted murder charges.

During the trial, the prosecution highlighted the violent nature of the incidents. Cars were deliberately driven with extreme aggression toward young men riding e-bikes, chasing them through the streets of Bournemouth and colliding with them. The collisions caused severe injuries, including the fatal trauma sustained by Mr. Johnstone in April.

The feud, according to the prosecution, stemmed from a long-standing grudge between Treadwell and associates of her former partner. The vehicles were used as tools to target, pursue, and attack the victims.

Evidence presented in court showed that on April 9, Treadwell drove her Range Rover Evoque at speeds between 66mph and 75mph while chasing Mr. Johnstone and another e-bike rider, Danny Singleton. The post-mortem confirmed Mr. Johnstone suffered severe head injuries and multiple fractures.

In the May attack, Harrison chased Mr. Lovell and Mr. Jenkins on a Caofen F80 electric motorcycle using a Mercedes C180 before striking them. Mr. Lovell sustained multiple injuries, while Mr. Jenkins required an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg.

Treadwell and Harrison are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.

Author: Connor Blake