Helen Holland, 81, was killed after being hit by a speeding police outrider escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh. Last week, PC Christopher Harrison, 68, was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.
Helen Holland’s family have criticised the speeding police outrider who struck her as he escorted the Duchess of Edinburgh
The family of a great-gran killed after being hit by a speeding police outrider escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh today blasted his acquittal, saying: “Police are above the law.”
Helen Holland, 81, was struck crossing a road at a “green man” signal by a motorcycle escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh. Last week, PC Christopher Harrison, 68, was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving. Met escort riders are allowed to run red lights and break speed limits if it is necessary and safe.
But the Holland family say the verdict over the incident in Earl’s Court, West London, in 2023, has left them feeling, “cheated”, “devastated” and has knocked their faith in the justice system.
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Last week, PC Christopher Harrison, 68, was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving as he escorted the Duchess of Edinburgh(Image: PA)
Speaking exclusively to ITV News, Helen’s brother, Chris Holmes, and granddaughter, Kelly Williams, said the decision effectively shifted responsibility onto Helen herself – even though the pedestrian signal was green. Chris said: “If the policeman is not guilty of careless driving, then she’s guilty of careless walking. I feel there’s a terrible injustice.”
Kelly said: “This is just an example of a two-tier justice system. The police are above the law.” She also urged the public to be extra vigilant when crossing a green man because “more people will die at the hands of the police because they can just go through a red light, kill a pedestrian when it’s their right of way “.
During the trial, the court heard PC Harrison – an experienced rider with the Met’s specialist escort group – was travelling between 44mph and 58mph in a 30mph zone. He told jurors Helen “just appeared” in front of him as he approached the controlled crossing, which was red for traffic at the time. However, the family have rejected this explanation entirely. Kelly added: “He went through at speed and smashed my nan to pieces.”
Following last week’s verdict at the Old Bailey, the Metropolitan Police said its “thoughts and sympathies” remain with the family and that the force is “deeply sorry”. Commander Adam Slonecki said escort riders now have bullhorns fitted to their motorcycles and that lessons had been learned.
But the family say the changes do not go far enough, now calling for outriders to be required to stop and physically control pedestrian crossings showing a green signal. “Had they done that on that day, my nan would still be here,” Kelly said. They also believe there should be an upper age limit for officers carrying out high-speed escort duties. “He should not have been doing that job,” Kelly said. Chris, 80, said: “I don’t think you should be driving high-powered motorbikes at that age.”
Both say VIP convoys should travel at normal road speeds when there is no emergency. “She was on her way back to Windsor for tea,” Chris said of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s journey that day. “What was the necessity for speed?”
Despite their anger, they say they do not blame the Duchess herself and are grateful she wrote to the family and sent flowers. Around the time of Helen’s death, the Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying the Duchess was “deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away”. The statement added: “Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland’s family.”
Asked whether she could ever forgive PC Harrison, Kelly replied: “This incident isn’t about him. It’s about us. This has had a profound effect on our family, and for that, we will never forgive him.”
After more than two years of grief and a trial they regard as unfair, the family say they have been left with what Chris calls a “rotten closure.” Though cleared in court, PC Harrison still faces potential gross misconduct proceedings. The Independent Office for Police Conduct says there is evidence he may have breached professional behaviour standards, including failing to activate his body-worn camera. The family has also announced plans to sue the Metropolitan Police – not for compensation, they say, but for recognition that Helen “did nothing wrong”.
A judicial spokesperson told ITV News: “Judicial independence and impartiality are fundamental to the rule of law. Upon taking office, judges take the judicial oath where they swear to act ‘without fear or favour, affection or ill will’. In each case, judges make decisions based on the evidence and arguments presented to them and apply the law as it stands.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said: “We would once again like to express our condolences to the family of Helen Holland. The actions of PC Christopher Harrison were independently investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This was followed by a trial, at which PC Harrison’s evidence was considered by a jury, and he was found not guilty. We respect that verdict.
“Age is not a barrier to service in the Met. Meeting rigorous training and selection standards is the only benchmark. To ride with the Special Escort Group, officers must undertake a selection process spanning around a year, followed by around 20 weeks of driving and other courses. They must then complete a yearly medical assessment, and five specialist driving assessments every two to three years. PC Harrison was fully compliant.
“PC Harrison will remain on restricted duties while we await direction from the IOPC about any future misconduct proceedings. We cannot comment on any stated intention by Mrs Holland’s family to bring legal proceedings against the Met.”