A speeding motorist has admitted to knocking down a 48-year-old woman and her two dogs as they crossed a road 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.
Roche, 24, was driving his Seat Leon at approximately 61mph along Manford Way in Ilford at the time, 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 upon their arrival.
Abandoned vehicle and CCTV evidence
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 of the car. Local CCTV footage showed him parking the vehicle and stepping out with a passenger to inspect the damage before fleeing the scene. Roche handed himself in at Ilford police station the following day.
He has since pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, criminal damage, and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle during an appearance at the Old Bailey. Roche was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced in January.
Police and family statements
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."
"We built a strong case against him, with evidence from our forensic collision investigator showing how he was driving at 61mph in a 30 zone, with digital enquiries placing him in the area at the time of the collision."
Following Marie's death, her family released a statement saying: "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."
