Home / Crime and Justice / Pregnant Woman, Unborn Child Die in Police Collision
Pregnant Woman, Unborn Child Die in Police Collision
18 Sep
Summary
- Officer denies charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
- Victim was pregnant woman Mariam Ahmed, 38, and unborn child.
- Officers allegedly drove over 70mph in a 30mph zone.
A Metropolitan Police officer has denied causing the death of a pregnant woman by dangerous driving. Mariam Ahmed, 38, and her unborn child tragically died following a high-speed collision on Eltham Road in Eltham, south-east London, on October 17, 2024.
PC Chris Johnson, 56, pleaded not guilty to the charge at the Old Bailey. Prosecutors allege that Johnson, who was driving the police vehicle involved in the collision, was travelling at approximately 50mph at the moment of impact. The court heard that Johnson and former PC Danny Tomkins, who was in a separate vehicle, were engaged in a "pre-planned deployment" and allegedly drove at speeds exceeding 70mph in a 30mph zone.
Tomkins, 35, who was not involved in the final collision, is accused of overtaking Ms Ahmed at 78mph shortly before the incident. He has also denied a charge of dangerous driving. The incident highlights serious concerns regarding police pursuit tactics and speed when operating in civilian areas.
