The family of an elderly woman who tragically lost her life in a collision with a police outrider escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh has expressed outrage over the officer’s acquittal, stating their belief that the police are not held accountable under the law.
Helen Holland, 81, was fatally struck while crossing a street with a pedestrian signal in her favor by a motorcycle escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh. PC Christopher Harrison, 68, was recently found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving in relation to the incident that occurred in Earl’s Court, West London, in 2023. The family of the victim feels deeply disappointed by the verdict, describing it as unfair and expressing a loss of faith in the justice system.
Speaking exclusively to ITV News, Helen’s brother, Chris Holmes, and granddaughter, Kelly Williams, expressed their dismay at the outcome of the trial. They believe that the responsibility for the tragic incident has been unjustly shifted onto the victim, despite the pedestrian signal indicating it was safe to cross. The family perceives a double standard in the justice system, accusing the police of being exempt from accountability.
During the trial, it was revealed that PC Harrison, a seasoned rider with the Metropolitan Police’s specialist escort group, was traveling at a speed exceeding the limit in a 30mph zone when the collision occurred. The family rejects his explanation that Helen suddenly appeared in front of him, asserting that he was reckless and caused her death.
Following the court’s verdict, the Metropolitan Police expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the tragic outcome of the incident. They highlighted the implementation of safety measures, such as fitting bullhorns to the motorcycles of escort riders and learning from the incident.
Despite these measures, the victim’s family insists that more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies in the future. They advocate for stricter protocols for outriders, including mandatory stops at pedestrian crossings with green signals and age restrictions for officers engaging in high-speed escort duties.
While the family appreciates the Duchess of Edinburgh’s condolences and gestures of sympathy, they emphasize that their focus remains on seeking justice for Helen. They have announced plans to pursue legal action against the Metropolitan Police to ensure recognition that the victim did not bear any fault in the incident.
In response to potential misconduct proceedings against PC Harrison, the Metropolitan Police reiterated their respect for the court’s verdict and emphasized the rigorous training and selection standards officers must meet to serve in the force, regardless of age. PC Harrison is currently on restricted duties pending further direction from the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The family’s pursuit of accountability and justice reflects their unwavering commitment to honoring the memory of their beloved relative and seeking closure through legal avenues.