CPS authorises death by careless driving charge against police officer
Rosemary Ainslie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), we have authorised a charge of causing death by careless driving against Metropolitan Police officer Christopher Harrison, 67.
“The charge follows the death of Helen Holland, 81, after she was involved in a collision with a police motorcyclist at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on 10 May 2024.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Notes to editors
- Christopher Harrison, [DOB: 17/12/1956], is a Metropolitan Police officer.
- He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 6 November.
- The decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
- The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent, objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider.
- The CPS Special Crime Division deals with the most complex and sensitive cases in England and Wales including disasters, serious criminal allegations against police officers, corporate manslaughter and election offences.