A Metropolitan Police officer has denied killing a great-grandmother by careless driving while in a motorcade for the Duchess of Edinburgh.
PC Christopher Harrison, 67, was riding a BMW motorcycle when it is alleged he struck 81-year-old Helen Holland in West Cromwell Road in Earl’s Court on May 10 last year.
Mrs Holland, who hails from Birchanger in Essex, suffered brain damage and was in hospital for two weeks before she died from her injuries.
She had been visiting her sister in London on the day of the crash.
Harrison, from Billericay, appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday after being charged with causing death by careless driving.
He was part of the Royal escort for Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, on the day of the crash. Buckingham Palace said the Duchess was "deeply saddened" by Mrs Holland’s death and had reached out privately in the aftermath to offer her "deepest condolences".
The criminal charge comes after an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
At court on Wednesday, Harrison indicated a not guilty plea to the charge and his case was sent by District judge Louisa Ciecióra to the Old Bailey for a hearing on December 4.
Harrison was set free on unconditional bail until the next court hearing.
