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An elderly woman named Helen Holland, 81, tragically lost her life after being struck at a junction in Earl’s Court in May 2023. The incident occurred when a police motorcyclist collided with her while escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh through London. The Metropolitan Police officer involved in the crash, PC Christopher Harrison, appeared emotional in court as he described the event as a “tragic accident” that was beyond his control.
PC Harrison, 68, was allegedly traveling at a speed ranging from 44mph to 58 mph on a road with a 30mph speed limit. Despite approaching a red light, he made the decision to continue based on his observation of a “stationary” cyclist and no other individuals in the vicinity. The officer denies the charge of causing death by careless driving and expressed his remorse for the unfortunate outcome.
During the court proceedings, PC Harrison struggled to convey his thoughts as he acknowledged the mistake that led to the fatal accident. Despite the prosecutor’s assertion that he had the ability to prevent the collision by stopping at the crossing, the defendant acknowledged his lapse in judgment. He maintained that his actions met the standards he was trained to uphold, emphasizing his familiarity with the escort route and his decades of experience in the field.
The trial also revealed that the victim, Ms. Holland, suffered severe injuries including a skull fracture, bruises, and fractures to her lower limbs, resulting in complications that led to her passing. As part of a designated police escort team, outriders like PC Harrison have legal exemptions to exceed speed limits and other traffic regulations. However, these privileges must be exercised with caution and minimal risk to public safety. The court proceedings are ongoing as further details emerge regarding the tragic incident
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