A man has admitted killing a 22-year-old woman in a high-speed hit-and-run crash on Christmas Day 2022 after fleeing from police.

Evan Forde, 32, was driving a Mercedes at speeds of more than 140mph in a 40mph zone on Hendon Way, Brent Cross, when he collided with the back of a BMW at around 3.45am.

Maria Carolina Do Nascimento Migel, a 22-year-old Brazilian national who was a passenger in the BMW, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Forde and his passengers fled the crash site on foot without stopping for police.

Court hearing

At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, Forde pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Members of Ms Migel’s family wept as the guilty plea was entered.

Defence barrister Tasmin Malcolm told the court that Forde had “always accepted” he was the driver of the Mercedes. She added:

“Undoubtedly the speed Mr Forde was driving will be an aggravating feature to the court. It is important we are satisfied of the accuracy of the material relied on by the Crown.”

Prosecutor Frederick Hookway said that while small variations in speed calculations may exist, they made no material difference given the “top speeds of over 140mph” reached by Forde.

Judge’s warning

Judge Anthony Leonard KC adjourned sentencing until 22 October, granting Forde continued conditional bail but warned him that prison was almost inevitable.

He told the defendant:

“You have pleaded guilty to a very serious charge. There was perhaps no option other than to do so given the state of the evidence. However, the fact you pleaded at this stage will be taken into account at sentencing. You must understand the most likely result – if not the inevitable result – will be you sent to prison.”

Police referral

Shortly before the crash, police in a marked vehicle had indicated for Forde to stop. The car failed to do so, but officers did not pursue. The Metropolitan Police later referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is routine in such cases.