The driver who crashed into a prep school, killing two eight-year-old girls, will learn today whether she faces criminal charges nearly three years after the tragedy. Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, died when a Land Rover Defender veered off the road and smashed through a fence into the Study Prep School in Wimbledon during an end-of-year tea party in July 2023. Nine children and three adults were also seriously injured.
Background of the case
The driver, Claire Freemantle, was arrested shortly after the crash on July 6, 2023. However, prosecutors decided not to bring any criminal charges in June 2024 after Ms Freemantle claimed she had suffered an epileptic seizure at the wheel for the first time. Concerns later emerged about the investigation, leading to a serious case review that uncovered significant flaws by officers, including their handling of medical evidence that led to the case being dropped.
Reopened investigation
The Metropolitan Police announced in October 2024 that it was reopening the investigation after an internal review identified missed lines of inquiry. Ms Freemantle was re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was questioned in custody. Now, the Crown Prosecution Service is expected to announce today whether she should face charges.
In a previous statement in 2024, Ms Freemantle expressed her 'deepest sorrow' but said she had 'no recollection of what took place.' She stated: 'Since I became aware of the terrible event that took place on 6 July, the devastating consequences for all those affected have not left my thoughts and will be with me for the rest of my life. I have since been diagnosed as having suffered an epileptic seizure with loss of consciousness. This was not a pre-existing condition. As a result of losing consciousness, I have no recollection of what took place.'
Police misconduct investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating four serving officers and one former detective constable for possible gross misconduct over the earlier botched investigation. One key issue was the diagnosis of epilepsy, which is notoriously difficult to detect without brain scans shortly after a seizure and detailed medical history review. The review highlighted missed opportunities by the Road Traffic Collisions Unit, which failed to interview key witnesses at the scene, including the head teacher who comforted Nuria as she lay injured.
The bereaved families and other survivors have said: 'We have always sought the truth, and will continue to champion the pursuit of complete clarity on the events of that devastating day and subsequent actions taken by the Metropolitan Police. The truth must come to light.' The watchdog is also examining allegations that Met officers provided 'false and misleading information to those affected and whether the officers' treatment of those affected was influenced by their race.'
