The driver of a 4x4 that crashed into a primary school and killed two eight-year-old girls has appeared in court. Claire Freemantle, 49, was charged in May after her Land Rover Defender smashed through railings at The Study Prep school in Wimbledon, South West London, while pupils held an end-of-term outdoor tea party. Schoolgirls Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau died, and several others were injured in the July 2023 incident.
Court Appearance
Freemantle appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court, where she spoke only to give her name, date of birth, and address. She was not asked to enter pleas. The court heard she is accused of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Emotional Scene
Freemantle entered court looking tearful, wearing a black trouser suit. She was allowed to sit behind her barrister instead of in the dock after her barrister, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, raised concerns that the stress of being in the dock could trigger an epileptic attack. Bennett-Jenkins KC told the judge that Freemantle had suffered a seizure in the past three weeks.
Freemantle was released on unconditional bail. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told her: "All nine charges must be sent to the Crown Court. You will have to appear at the Central Criminal Court on the 14th July this year. If you don't, a warrant will be issued for your arrest."
Background
The tragedy occurred on the last day of the summer term. The Met Police has since apologized for its initial handling of the incident and the impact on those affected, stating it will be "fundamentally resetting how the force investigates fatal and serious collisions."
