A driver will face trial next year for a collision that killed two eight-year-old girls when her Land Rover crashed into a prep school in Wimbledon in July 2023. Nine children and three adults were also seriously injured in the incident.
Claire Freemantle, 49, appeared at the Old Bailey facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Her lawyers have previously indicated she will plead not guilty.
A six-week trial has been set for September 6 of next year, with Judge Mark Lucraft KC releasing Freemantle on unconditional bail until her next hearing on November 23.
The collision occurred as children and staff were gathered for an end-of-year tea party at Study Prep School. The Land Rover Defender veered off the road and smashed through a fence.
Prosecutors had initially decided not to bring criminal charges in June 2024, after Freemantle stated she had experienced an epileptic seizure at the wheel for the first time. However, in May of this year, the Crown Prosecution Service charged her with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Freemantle has previously expressed her "deepest sorrow" for the incident, stating she has no recollection of the event. She was diagnosed with an epileptic seizure with loss of consciousness, which she reported was not a pre-existing condition.
The Metropolitan Police announced in October 2024 that they were reopening their investigation into the crash following an internal review that identified missed lines of inquiry. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating four serving officers and one former detective constable for possible gross misconduct related to the initial investigation. The review highlighted missed opportunities, including the failure to interview key witnesses.
The IOPC is examining allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information and whether their treatment of those affected was influenced by race. The Met has stated they are cooperating with the IOPC and have apologized for the initial handling of the incident. The force also indicated a fundamental reset of how it investigates fatal and serious collisions to improve outcomes for victims and their families.