A police motorcyclist involved in a collision that led to the death of an 81-year-old woman while escorting a royal convoy in London has been acquitted of causing death by careless driving.
PC Christopher Harrison, 68, was riding his BMW motorcycle as part of a police convoy when he struck Helen Holland on West Cromwell Road in West London on May 10, 2023. The court heard that he was allegedly traveling between 44mph and 58mph in a 30mph zone when the incident occurred.
Following two hours and 25 minutes of jury deliberation, PC Harrison, who denied the charge, was found not guilty. Emotions ran high in the courtroom as a member of the public gallery expressed their dissatisfaction with the verdict. The judge subsequently informed the Metropolitan Police officer that he was free to leave.
Helen Holland sustained severe injuries, including a skull fracture, lower leg fractures, and extensive bruising, leading to her passing away two weeks later due to complications from a severe head injury.
During the trial, PC Harrison, a seasoned specialist escort group officer with 21 years of experience, became emotional while giving evidence. He described the collision as a tragic accident beyond his control, acknowledging that he failed to activate his body-worn camera and use his whistle at the pedestrian crossing. He maintained that he did not see Ms. Holland before the collision occurred.
Witness Diana Cetara, who was present at the scene, recounted the incident, stating that Ms. Holland was struck by the motorcycle and thrown from the impact.
The convoy, escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh, was traveling from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on King Charles Street when the collision occurred. The prosecution argued that while PC Harrison had permission to exceed the speed limit for escort purposes, he still had a duty to drive carefully and ensure the safety of all road users.
Expert testimony from Johnathan Moody criticized PC Harrison’s actions as falling short of expected standards for a competent rider. He highlighted that the officer should have taken appropriate measures, such as stopping at the red light, to prevent the collision.
Before the trial, Helena, Ms. Holland’s granddaughter, paid tribute to her grandmother as a kind and beloved individual, emphasizing her energetic and youthful spirit. The family expressed deep sorrow over her untimely passing.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of Sophie Wessex, expressing profound sadness over Ms. Holland’s death and extending heartfelt condolences to her family.