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Met Police Outrider on Trial Over Fatal Collision During Duchess of Edinburgh Escort

Prosecutors say convoy riders retain a duty to protect pedestrians even when permitted to go through red lights.

Overview

  • Pc Christopher Harrison has pleaded not guilty to causing death by careless driving in the death of 81-year-old Helen Holland.
  • The Old Bailey heard he approached the crossing at between 44mph and 58mph before riding through a red light on West Cromwell Road.
  • The speed limit was 30mph at the time of the collision and has since been reduced to 20mph, according to court reporting.
  • Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC argued the outrider should have controlled the pedestrian crossing and that exemptions do not remove the duty of care.
  • An eyewitness described Mrs Holland being flung into the air, the officer later told interviewers he did not see her, and a post-collision exam found no mechanical faults with the bike.