The family of an 81-year-old grandmother killed by a police outrider escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh have spoken of their devastation after the officer was cleared of causing her death.
"A Terrible Injustice"
Helen Holland was struck and killed while crossing at a pedestrian crossing with a green man signal in Earl's Court, West London, in 2023. The police motorcycle was part of a royal escort for the Duchess of Edinburgh at the time of the fatal collision.
Last week, PC Christopher Harrison, 68, was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving at the Old Bailey. The experienced Metropolitan Police officer had been travelling between 44mph and 58mph in a 30mph zone when the incident occurred.
Speaking exclusively to ITV News, Helen's brother Chris Holmes, 80, and granddaughter Kelly Williams expressed their profound disappointment with the verdict. "If the policeman is not guilty of careless driving, then she's guilty of careless walking," said Chris. "I feel there's a terrible injustice."
Family's Outcry Over "Two-Tier Justice System"
Kelly Williams didn't hold back in her criticism of the outcome, stating: "This is just an example of a two-tier justice system. The police are above the law."
The family completely rejected PC Harrison's court testimony that Helen "just appeared" in front of him as he approached the controlled crossing, which showed red for traffic at the time. "He went through at speed and smashed my nan to pieces," Kelly added emotionally.
Both family members expressed concern about public safety, with Kelly urging pedestrians to be extra cautious even when crossing with a green man. "More people will die at the hands of the police because they can just go through a red light, kill a pedestrian when it's their right of way," she warned.
Calls for Police Escort Reform
The Holland family are now calling for significant changes to how police escort duties are conducted. They want outriders to be required to stop and physically control pedestrian crossings that show a green signal for pedestrians.
"Had they done that on that day, my nan would still be here," Kelly stated emphatically.
The family also believes there should be an upper age limit for officers performing high-speed escort duties. "He should not have been doing that job," Kelly said of the 68-year-old officer. Chris added: "I don't think you should be driving high-powered motorbikes at that age."
Both relatives questioned the necessity for speed during VIP convoys when no emergency exists. Referring to the Duchess of Edinburgh's journey that day, Chris asked: "She was on her way back to Windsor for tea. What was the necessity for speed?"
Aftermath and Ongoing Proceedings
Despite their anger about the incident, the family made clear they don't blame the Duchess of Edinburgh herself and expressed gratitude that she wrote to them and sent flowers following Helen's death.
Buckingham Palace had issued a statement around the time of Helen's death saying the Duchess was "deeply saddened" and that her "deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland's family."
When asked about forgiveness for PC Harrison, Kelly responded: "This incident isn't about him. It's about us. This has had a profound effect on our family, and for that, we will never forgive him."
Chris described the outcome as leaving them with a "rotten closure" after more than two years of grief and a trial they consider unfair.
Although cleared in court, PC Harrison still faces potential gross misconduct proceedings. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has identified evidence suggesting he may have breached professional behaviour standards, including failing to activate his body-worn camera.
The family has announced plans to sue the Metropolitan Police, emphasising that their motivation isn't compensation but recognition that Helen "did nothing wrong".
The Metropolitan Police reiterated that their "thoughts and sympathies" remain with the family and that the force is "deeply sorry". Commander Adam Slonecki confirmed that escort riders now have bullhorns fitted to their motorcycles and that lessons had been learned from the tragedy.
Regarding PC Harrison's age, the Met stated that "age is not a barrier to service" and that meeting rigorous training and selection standards is the only benchmark. The force confirmed PC Harrison was "fully compliant" with all requirements and will remain on restricted duties pending the IOPC's direction on misconduct proceedings.
