Verdict Reached in Royal Escort Death Case
A Metropolitan Police motorcyclist has been acquitted of causing the death of an 81-year-old pensioner during a royal escort through West London. Police Constable Christopher Harrison, 68, was found not guilty of causing death by careless driving by a jury at the Old Bailey on Thursday.
The Fatal Incident in Earl's Court
The collision occurred on May 10, 2023, on West Cromwell Road in Earl's Court. Helen Holland was using a pedestrian crossing when she was struck by PC Harrison's motorcycle, which was part of a convoy escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh. The court heard that Ms Holland was 2.9 metres onto the crossing when the impact occurred, throwing her approximately 40 feet through the air.
At the time of the incident, PC Harrison was travelling at between 44mph and 58mph in a zone with a 30mph speed limit. The officer, who had 21 years of experience in the specialist escort group, told the court he was "very familiar" with the route having undertaken the journey numerous times.
Aftermath and Court Proceedings
Helen Holland suffered catastrophic injuries including a skull fracture and multiple leg fractures. She died two weeks later from complications arising from her severe head injury. The trial heard emotional testimony from PC Harrison, who described the collision as a "tragic accident" that occurred in circumstances beyond his control.
During cross-examination, the officer acknowledged he had forgotten to switch on his body-worn camera and didn't use his whistle approaching the crossing, but insisted he hadn't been complacent. "She just appeared between the kerb line and the point of collision. At no point did I see her on the island," he told jurors.
The jury deliberated for two hours and 25 minutes before returning their not guilty verdict. Following the decision, an emotional outburst came from the public gallery with someone shouting: "You ruined our family with no consequences." Mr Justice Martin Chamberlain subsequently dismissed PC Harrison from the court.
The incident occurred as the Duchess of Edinburgh was leaving the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office in King Charles Street around 3pm. The royal convoy included the Duchess's vehicle, a police back-up car, and the team of motorcycle outriders.
