Criminal investigation launched into death of Helen Holland
Helen Holland. Picture: Family handout
June 12, 2023
The police motorcyclist who was escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh when involved in a fatal collision could now face criminal charges.
81-year-old Helen Holland was seriously injured as she was crossing the road near the junction with Warwick Road in Earl’s Court on the afternoon of Wednesday 10 May. She was taken to hospital but never regained consciousness and died a fortnight later.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into the crash making an appeal for witness and scouring CCTV footage from nearby properties.
The IOPC said it is now ‘criminally investigating’ the actions of the police constable who has been informed that the unnamed officer is under investigation for the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. They are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct. This does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.
The police constable was on duty as part of the Special Escort Group riding alongside a vehicle in which Sophie Wessex, the wife of Prince Edward, was travelling.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said, “Our thoughts remain with Ms Holland’s family, friends and everyone affected by her death. This is a tragic incident and it is important that we carry out a thorough, independent investigation to establish the full circumstances, which will include the actions and decision making of the officer under investigation. We have been in regular contact with Ms Holland’s family and we will keep them updated as our investigation progresses.
“At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.
“As part of the evidence gathering process, our investigators attended the scene and the post incident procedures on the night of the collision where we secured police body worn video, which has been reviewed. We also oversaw the scanning and mapping of the scene by forensic investigators. We have taken witness accounts from officers involved and a number of members of the public, who came forward following our witness appeal. We also identified a range of CCTV footage along the route which we have secured and begun to review.
Helen Holland, who lived in Essex, was visiting her older sister. The mother of four, grandmother of ten, and great-grandmother of seven was described as a "well-respected and popular member of the community".
A4 Cromwell Road at the junction with Warwick Road. Picture: Google Streetview
The junction at which she was injured is an accident black spot and has been the scene of numerous serious collisions. Last July a motorcyclist was killed at this junction and the following month a pedestrian was seriously injured after being hit by a motorcycle.
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