Royal Outrider Cleared in Tragic London Crash
A dramatic and heartbreaking incident in London has come to a legal conclusion this week. A police motorcyclist, part of the team escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh, has been found not guilty of causing the death of an elderly pedestrian. The victim, 81-year-old Helen Holland, tragically died two weeks after being struck while crossing West Cromwell Road in Earl’s Court back in May 2023.
The court heard that PC Christopher Harrison, 68, was riding at speeds between 44 and 58 miles per hour in a 30mph zone as he approached a red light where Mrs Holland was crossing. The specialized police escort team is allowed to exceed speed limits and pass through red lights, but only when it can be done safely. Harrison, who has 21 years of experience in the royal escort unit, told the Old Bailey that he did not see Mrs Holland on the footway as he approached. He described the crash as a “tragic accident” beyond his control, emphasizing that the pensioner “just appeared” in front of him.
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The collision left Mrs Holland with severe injuries, including a skull fracture, multiple bruises, and broken lower legs. A post-mortem later confirmed that her death was due to complications from a serious head injury. During the trial, PC Harrison admitted that he had forgotten to turn on his body-worn camera and did not use his whistle as he neared the pedestrian crossing. However, he maintained that he had not been complacent and that the accident could not have been prevented in those circumstances.
On the day of the crash, Harrison was part of a convoy escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh as she left the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office in central London. His motorbike was ahead of the royal car and back-up police vehicles when the collision occurred. Family members of the victim, visibly distressed, were present at the trial. After the not-guilty verdict was delivered, someone in the public gallery shouted, expressing their anguish over the loss of Helen Holland.
The trial highlighted the delicate balance royal escort teams must maintain between performing their duties and ensuring public safety. In the end, the jury deliberated for just over two hours before clearing PC Harrison of careless driving charges, leaving him free to leave the courtroom. The case has stirred strong emotions, with many reflecting on the tragic loss of life and the extraordinary responsibilities of police outriders in high-profile royal duties.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can occur even during routine duties and has brought national attention to the safety protocols surrounding royal escorts.
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