Royal outrider 'went straight into' woman who died
Christopher Harrison, a motorcycle outrider for the royal escort, is on trial for the death of 81-year-old Helen Holland, who he struck while she legally crossed the West Cromwell Road in May 2023. The prosecution contends that Harrison drove carelessly, exceeding the speed limit and failing to anticipate pedestrians as he approached a red light. Witness accounts and video footage show Harrison traveling at 44 to 54 mph, significantly above the 30 mph limit. In his defense, he claimed he did not see Holland, stating she "appeared from nowhere. " The court emphasized the responsibility of outriders to control crossings and protect pedestrians, especially during VIP convoys.
This incident has sparked discussions on the protocols governing police escorts and the safety of pedestrians. The trial is expected to provide insights into the standards of care expected from police motorcyclists. Testimony from witnesses and video evidence will play a crucial role as the case unfolds.