Claire‑Louise Freemantle, 49, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a Land Rover crash into a school end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon on 6 July 2023.
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two eight-year-old girls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, and left several others seriously injured, shocking the south-west London community.
Nearly three years after the event, Freemantle confirmed her identity at court but was not asked to enter 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 victims include Nuria’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, ordering Freemantle to appear at the Central Criminal Court on 14 July. She was released on unconditional bail.
Parents and families of the injured attended the hearing, demonstrating that the case remains deeply felt within the community.
The charges come after criticism of the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the investigation. Initial police statements claimed Freemantle had an epileptic seizure and would not face prosecution, but this decision was reversed following public outcry.
The Metropolitan Police have apologised and pledged significant changes to how fatal and serious collision inquiries 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, face gross misconduct investigations related to the case.
Originally published by UKNIP.
