A woman is set to appear in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a 4x4 crashed into a primary school in south-east London, killing two eight-year-old girls.
Charges Filed
Claire Freemantle, 49, faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The incident occurred at The Study Preparatory School in Camp Road, Wimbledon, on the last day of the summer term in July 2023.
The victims, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, died in the crash. Freemantle is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. Her legal representatives have indicated she will plead not guilty to all charges.
Investigation Background
The charges were brought in May after the victims' families criticized the Metropolitan Police's handling of the case. Initially, in June 2024, the force stated that Freemantle had suffered an epileptic seizure and would not face criminal charges. She was later rearrested and released under investigation in January 2024.
The Met Police has apologized for its initial response and acknowledged the need to fundamentally overhaul how it investigates fatal and serious collisions.
Police Conduct Under Scrutiny
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating allegations of racism in the handling of the case. The watchdog is probing claims that officers provided false and misleading information to the families. Four serving officers, including a commander and a detective chief inspector, are under investigation for gross misconduct.
