In a chilling case that has left a community reeling, a woman’s deadly pursuit of an e-bike rider ended in tragedy—but here’s where it gets even more shocking: she mistook him for her ex-partner. Zoe Treadwell, 36, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Joey Johnstone, 28, in a case that has sparked outrage and disbelief. The incident, which occurred on April 9, 2025, in Bournemouth, Dorset, was part of a bitter feud that spiraled into violence. Treadwell, driving her Range Rover, chased down Johnstone, believing him to be her former partner, Joshua Lovell, and deliberately struck him, causing fatal injuries. She must serve a minimum of 35 years behind bars.
But this is the part most people miss: Treadwell’s actions were not an isolated incident. She was also convicted of the attempted murder of Lovell and causing grievous bodily harm to Free Jenkins in a separate attack on May 1. Her accomplice, Jonjay Harrison, 25, was similarly convicted for his role in the May incident and sentenced to 32 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing a knife in public. The courtroom erupted in cheers and applause as the sentences were announced, with one woman shouting, ‘May you rot in hell, Zoe!’
The human cost of this tragedy is heartbreaking. Sophie Quinn, Johnstone’s partner and mother of his two children, shared in a victim impact statement, ‘On April 9, our lives changed forever. Joey went out for a simple bike ride and never returned. My soulmate was taken from me, leaving our children without a father.’ Johnstone’s mother, Michelle Rush, added, ‘I never knew true love until I gave birth to my perfect son. He grew into a beautiful man with the biggest heart.’
During sentencing, Mr Justice Linden highlighted the devastating impact of Johnstone’s death on his family, stating, ‘Joey was much-loved, and his loss has left his children fatherless. Treadwell showed complete indifference to his life, making no attempt to help him.’ The judge also noted that Harrison was paid £1,000 for his involvement and was described as ‘smiling’ during the pursuit.
Alisdair Williamson KC, defending Treadwell, argued that she was ‘dragged into’ an ongoing feud between criminal gangs and was acting under duress, claiming she felt ‘under attack’ in her own home. He also revealed that Treadwell, a former healthcare assistant and security worker, suffered from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. She has since expressed ‘sincere sorrow’ for her actions.
Nicholas Hagan KC, representing Harrison, stated that his client made a ‘last-minute’ decision to collide with the e-bike and did not intend to kill, expressing ‘genuine remorse.’ Harrison became involved after hearing about Treadwell being ‘terrorized by a gang.’
Sarah Jones KC, prosecuting, detailed the harrowing pursuit, noting that Treadwell’s Range Rover reached speeds between 66mph and 75mph as Johnstone and another rider, Danny Singleton (who escaped unharmed), tried to flee. In the May incident, Harrison, driving a Mercedes C180, chased Lovell and Jenkins on their electric motorcycle, causing a collision that left Lovell with multiple fractures and Jenkins with a leg amputation.
This case raises a controversial question: To what extent should mental health and external pressures be considered in cases of extreme violence? While Treadwell’s defense highlighted her struggles, does this excuse her actions? And what responsibility do individuals have when they become entangled in dangerous feuds? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that demands to be had.
