Summary
A police officer in London, who was escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh, was found not guilty of causing the death of an 81-year-old woman in a traffic incident. The court determined the incident was a tragic accident, with the officer driving over the speed limit under special escort conditions.
Key Facts
- Helen Holland, aged 81, was hit by a police motorcyclist in May 2023 and died two weeks later.
- The officer, PC Christopher Harrison, was escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh when the incident occurred.
- PC Harrison was reportedly driving between 44mph and 58mph in a 30mph zone.
- The officer did not see Mrs. Holland at the crossing and described the event as a "tragic accident."
- The police convoy escorting the Duchess had permission to exceed speed limits in certain conditions.
- The Old Bailey court acquitted PC Harrison of causing death by careless driving.
- The jury heard that PC Harrison did not have his body camera on and did not use a whistle as he approached the crossing.
- Mrs. Holland died from complications related to a severe head injury she sustained in the collision.
