A speeding motorist has admitted knocking down a 48-year-old woman and her two dogs as they crossed a road in Ilford just days before Christmas. Marie Theobald was crossing with her Maltese dogs Riley and Honey when they were struck by Dantay Roche at around 5pm on 22 December 2023.
Collision and Aftermath
Roche, 24, was driving a Seat Leon at about 61mph along Manford Way, more than double the 30mph speed limit, according to police. The London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance were dispatched to the scene, but Marie was pronounced dead there.
The vehicle was found abandoned in a nearby cul-de-sac with considerable damage. Roche, of Tine Road in Chigwell, Essex, was identified as the registered keeper. CCTV footage showed him parking the car and stepping out with a passenger to inspect the damage before fleeing. He handed himself in at Ilford police station the following day.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Roche pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to causing death by dangerous driving, criminal damage, and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle. He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced in January.
Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said: "This was an awful incident that resulted in Marie's death in the most tragic circumstances just days before Christmas. My thoughts remain with her family and loved ones.
"We do not know why Roche was driving like he was that night, as he has never provided an explanation either to the police or the courts. But he drove dangerously fast at twice the speed limit on a busy road in a residential area, then took the cowardly decision to leave the scene after striking Marie and her two dogs."
Family Tributes
In a statement issued in December 2023 following Marie's death, her family said: "Marie was a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless woman who would do anything for anyone. Marie always put others first.
"The dogs Riley and Honey were much loved members of the family. They adored Marie as she adored them. May they all rest in perfect peace together."
