Claire‑Louise Freemantle, 49, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a tragic crash involving a Land Rover at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon on 6 July 2023.
The vehicle collided with a school end-of-term tea party, resulting in the deaths of two eight-year-old girls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau. Several other attendees sustained serious injuries in the incident that deeply shocked the south-west London community.
At her first court appearance, nearly three years after the crash, Freemantle confirmed her identity but was not asked to enter any pleas. Her legal team requested that she sit in the court well rather than the dock due to her epilepsy diagnosis, a request the judge accepted without opposition from the prosecution.
Freemantle faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The injured include Nuria Sajjad’s mother, Smera Chohan, as well as other mothers and children aged between seven months and eight years.
District Judge Paul Goldspring sent the case to the Old Bailey for trial and ordered Freemantle to appear at the Central Criminal Court on 14 July. She was released on unconditional bail following the hearing.
Parents and families of those injured attended the hearing, demonstrating the ongoing impact of the case within the local community.
The charges come amid criticism of the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the investigation. Initial police statements suggested that Freemantle had an epileptic seizure and would not face prosecution, but this decision was reversed after public outcry.
The Metropolitan Police have since issued an apology and pledged significant changes to how fatal and serious collision investigations are conducted.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues to investigate allegations of racism and misleading information provided to families. Four serving officers, including senior ranks, are facing gross misconduct investigations related to the case.
Originally published by UKNIP.
