The driver of car who crashed into a Wimbledon school killing two eight-year-old firls will not face charges after the CPS revealed the motorist had epileptic seizure behind the wheel.
Pupils Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau were fatally injured when a Land Rover ploughed through a fence into a crowd of children and adults, who were enjoying an end-of-term tea party at The Study Prep school in July last year.
The horror crash left more than a dozen people injured, although all have since been discharged from hospital.
The driver of the car, Claire Freemantle, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
However, the CPS has today revealed the 47-year-old from Wimbledon will face no further charges after revealing she had suffered an epileptic seizure behind the wheel.
Speaking out today following the tragedy, Ms Freemantle expressed her ‘deepest sorrow’ and said she had ‘no recollection of what took place’ after losing consciousness because of an epileptic seizure at the wheel.
An £80,000 Land Rover crashed through the primary school’s gates during an end of term picnic
Nuria Sajjad (left) had been enjoying enjoying a tea party with her classmates to mark the last day of term when horrific crash took place. The crash also killed Selena Lau (right)
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor with oversight of the Crown Prosecution Service London Homicide Unit, added: ‘The death of a child is an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. On behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to both bereaved families who have suffered the devastating loss of their children, Nuria and Selena.
‘We have carefully considered this complex and sensitive case, taking into consideration all the material gathered as part of the lengthy and detailed police investigation.
‘The driver of the vehicle had an epileptic seizure behind the wheel, which caused her to lose control of the vehicle which then drove into the school. There is no evidence the driver had ever suffered a similar seizure before and she had no previously diagnosed medical condition.
‘Because there is nothing to suggest the driver could have done anything to predict or prevent this tragedy, it is not in the public interest to pursue a criminal prosecution.
‘In reaching this decision we have considered the driver’s full medical records, obtained by police, and received evidence from neurological specialists, who agreed that the driver had a seizure and that this was the first such medical episode she had experienced.
‘Throughout this process we have met with the bereaved families on several occasions, to ensure they are kept informed of the case progress and to fully explain the decision we have made.
The Land Rover crashed through a fence at The Study Prep school in south-west London at around 10am on July 6, 2023
‘Our thoughts remain with them today, as well as with the other injured victims and the wider school community upon whom this tragic incident has had a profound impact.’
A grief-stricken Ms Freemantle said she was horrified by the tragedy on July 6 and said ‘no words’ could ever ‘express the pain and loss’ caused by it.
‘Since I became aware of the terrible event that took place on July 6, the devastating consequences for all those affected have not left my thoughts and will be with me for the rest of my life,’ she said today.
‘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.
‘I can only express my deepest sorrow for the families who have suffered such dreadful loss and injury.
‘As a mother, I understand there can be no words that adequately express the pain and loss resulting from what happened in those horrendous moments while I was unconscious.
‘My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the children and families affected, and especially to the parents of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau.’
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of policing for south west London, said after the decision to take no further action: ‘This was a deeply tragic incident, the circumstances of which caused widespread shock and sadness.
‘The families of Nuria and Selena – who we know are greatly loved and missed – are always in our thoughts, but particularly so in light of this development.
‘Throughout the course of this investigation they have been supported by dedicated family liaison officers. Those officers were present earlier today when the outcome was relayed to the families by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), and they will continue to support them in any way they can going forward.
‘I previously met with both families and have offered to meet them again should they have unanswered questions about the investigation following this outcome.
‘Following a lengthy, detailed and complex investigation, a file of evidential material was passed to the CPS for them to consider whether charges were appropriate.
‘Having carefully examined all of the information received, they have now confirmed the driver will not face charges.’
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland continued: ‘Significant inquiries carried out by specialist officers into the events leading up to the collision established that the driver suffered a previously undiagnosed seizure which caused her to lose control of the vehicle.
‘Having carried out a detailed examination of her medical records, we know that she couldn’t have predicted or prevented the incident.
‘The consequences of this were, as we know, absolutely devastating and the hurt and pain that followed will always be deeply felt.
‘I can understand that some may be confused – perhaps even feel let down – by this outcome and want to give every reassurance that our officers worked tirelessly through every detail of the incident to ensure a complete investigation be passed to the CPS.
‘To bring charges in cases like this there needs to be an element of responsibility on the part of the driver, and, given the circumstances, this was simply not borne out on this occasion. What happened that day was a very tragic accident which has had a profound impact on the lives of a number of people.
‘While our priority has been to support the affected families – including the further six families of those who received injuries – we have also remained in close contact with both the school and local council representatives throughout, updating them on the timeline of the investigation while maintaining the integrity of our inquiries.
‘We are grateful for their support and know they understand that it was of paramount importance to ensure the most thorough investigation be undertaken for the sake of all those involved. In the days and weeks ahead we will identify opportunities to speak directly to the local community who we know were also deeply affected by the incident.’
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
