A mother and her two dogs were killed when a speeding driver struck them at more than twice the speed limit and then fled the scene. Marie Theobald, 48, was walking her two Maltese dogs, Riley and Honey, when she was hit by a white Seat Leon travelling at 61mph in a 30mph zone.
The collision happened shortly before Christmas on December 22, 2023, as Ms Theobald attempted to cross Manford Way in Chigwell, east London. Despite the efforts of emergency crews, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her two dogs also died in the collision.
Driver Pleads Guilty
Driver Dantay Roche, 24, has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, bringing a long-running investigation closer to its conclusion. He also admitted causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle and criminal damage offences relating to the deaths of Ms Theobald's two dogs.
Roche, of Tine Road, Chigwell, appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, October 28, where he entered the guilty pleas. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on January 25, 2027.
Investigation Details
The Metropolitan Police said forensic collision experts established that Roche had been driving at 61mph on the 30mph road when he struck Ms Theobald and her pets at around 5pm. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a nearby cul-de-sac, Stevens Way, with significant damage.
CCTV footage showed the driver parking the car and getting out with a passenger to inspect the damage before fleeing the scene. Roche was quickly identified as the registered keeper of the vehicle and handed himself in at Ilford police station the following day.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but initially released on bail while further enquiries were carried out. He was eventually charged on July 29 this year and appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court on September 30.
Family Tribute
Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite, who led the 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."
In a tribute following the deaths, Ms Theobald's family described her as a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. They said: "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."
