A shocking and tragic story has unfolded, leaving a community in Bournemouth, Dorset, reeling. A life was taken, and justice has been served, but at what cost?
Zoe Treadwell, 36, was found guilty of murdering Joey Johnstone, a 28-year-old e-bike rider, in a case of mistaken identity. Treadwell believed Johnstone to be her ex-partner, Joshua Lovell, and her actions had devastating consequences.
On April 9, 2025, Treadwell, driving her Range Rover, pursued and collided with Johnstone, who was out for an evening bike ride. The impact was fatal, and Johnstone never made it home. This incident sparked a chain of events that led to Treadwell's conviction and a life sentence, with a minimum of 35 years behind bars.
But here's where it gets controversial... Dorset Police revealed that Treadwell's intended target was Lovell, her former partner. In a twisted turn of events, Johnstone became an innocent victim, caught in the crossfire of a personal feud. Treadwell was also charged with the attempted murder of Lovell and causing grievous bodily harm to another individual, Free Jenkins, in a separate incident on May 1.
Jonjay Harrison, 25, was convicted alongside Treadwell for his role in the May 1 incident. He pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and was sentenced to 32 years in prison. The courtroom erupted with cheers and applause as the sentences were announced, with one woman shouting a scathing comment directed at Treadwell.
Joey Johnstone's partner, Sophie Quinn, shared a heart-wrenching victim impact statement. She described the devastating effect of losing her soulmate and the anxiety she has endured since his death. Quinn's words paint a picture of a life forever changed, with three children left fatherless.
Joey's mother, Michelle Rush, expressed her love for her son and the impact his loss has had on her life. She described him as a beautiful man with a kind heart, leaving a void that can never be filled.
Mr. Justice Linden, the presiding judge, highlighted the callousness of Treadwell's actions. He stated that Johnstone had merely been cycling in circles outside Treadwell's house, yet she showed no regard for his life. Harrison, described as smiling during the pursuit, was paid £1,000 for his involvement, adding a chilling element to the case.
Treadwell's defense attorney, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued that the incidents were a result of an ongoing feud between criminal gangs, into which Treadwell had been dragged. He emphasized her PTSD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD diagnosis, suggesting she was a victim of circumstances. Treadwell expressed her sorrow for the events in a letter to the court.
Nicholas Hagan KC, Harrison's defense attorney, claimed his client made a last-minute decision to collide with the e-bike and felt genuine remorse. He described Harrison's involvement as a result of hearing about his co-defendant being terrorized by another gang.
Sarah Jones KC, the prosecutor, provided details of the pursuit. The Range Rover, driven by Treadwell, averaged speeds between 66mph and 75mph, chasing Johnstone and another rider, Danny Singleton, who managed to escape uninjured. In the May incident, Harrison, in a Mercedes, pursued Lovell and his passenger, Jenkins, on their electric motorcycle, resulting in a collision that left Lovell with multiple fractures and Jenkins with a life-altering amputation.
This case raises questions about the impact of personal feuds and the role of mental health in such tragic events. It leaves us wondering: Could these lives have been saved if the circumstances were different? What responsibility do we have to address the underlying issues that lead to such violent acts? Join the discussion in the comments and share your thoughts on this heart-wrenching story.
