Police officer riding as part of Duchess of Edinburgh’s security charged after collision killed 81-year-old pensioner
A Police officer riding as part of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s security has been charged with causing death by careless driving after a collision killed an 81-year-old pensioner.
The Crown Prosecution Service said it has charged police officer Christopher Harrison with causing death by careless driving over a collision that killed Helen Holland.
Holland was hit by a motorcycle which was part of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s police escort.
The pensioner was struck at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on the afternoon of May 10, 2023.
She suffered serious injuries and died two weeks later.
The Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised a charge of causing death by careless driving against Christopher Harrison, 67, following a review of the evidence by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “The charge follows the death of Helen Holland, 81, after she was involved in a collision with a police motorcyclist at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on 10 May 2023.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Following the crash, Holland’s son Martin told the BBC she died after sustaining “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries”.
After her death was announced, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away.
“Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland’s family.”
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Harrison will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 6.
Holland, from Birchanger, Essex, was a royal fan and a supporter of the police.
Her sister, who did not wish to be named, told LBC last year: “Helen loved people and animals, the royal family, and believed the police could do no wrong.
“A great grandmother, gardener, and country walker every week. Something like an Angel. She will never be forgotten.”