Claire‑Louise Freemantle, 49, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a Land Rover crash at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon on 6 July 2023.
The vehicle collided with a school end-of-term tea party, resulting in the deaths of two eight-year-old girls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau. Several other individuals were seriously injured in the incident that deeply affected the south-west London community.
At her first court appearance nearly three years after the tragic event, Freemantle confirmed her identity but was not asked to enter pleas. Her legal team requested she sit in the court well rather than the dock due to her epilepsy diagnosis, a request the judge accepted without opposition from the prosecution.
Freemantle faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The victims include Nuria Sajjad’s mother, Smera Chohan, as well as other mothers and children aged between seven months and eight years.
District Judge Paul Goldspring sent the case to the Old Bailey for trial, ordering Freemantle to appear at the Central Criminal Court on 14 July. She was released on unconditional bail following the hearing.
Parents and families of the injured attended the court session, highlighting the ongoing impact of the case within the local community.
The charges come after criticism of the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the investigation. Initial police statements suggested Freemantle had an epileptic seizure and would not face prosecution, but this decision was reversed following public outcry.
The Metropolitan Police have issued an apology and pledged significant changes to how fatal and serious collision inquiries are conducted.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues to investigate allegations of racism and misleading information provided to families. Four serving officers, including senior ranks, are subject to gross misconduct investigations related to the case.
Originally published by UKNIP.
