A speeding motorist has admitted killing a 48-year-old woman and her two dogs as they crossed a road in Ilford days before Christmas. Marie Theobald was crossing with her Maltese dogs Riley and Honey when Dantay Roche struck them at around 5pm on December 22, 2023.
Crash details and immediate response
Roche, 24, was driving a Seat Leon at approximately 61mph along Manford Way, more than double the 30mph limit, according to police. The London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance attended, but Marie was pronounced dead at the scene.
The car was later found abandoned in a nearby cul-de-sac with substantial damage. Roche, of Tine Road in Chigwell, Essex, was identified as the registered keeper. CCTV footage showed him parking the car and exiting with a passenger to inspect the damage before fleeing. He surrendered at Ilford police station the following day.
Court proceedings and police statement
Roche admitted causing death by dangerous driving, criminal damage, and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle at the Old Bailey. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in January.
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."
Family tribute
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."
