Woman in court over fatal Wimbledon school crash
Woman in court over fatal Wimbledon school crash13 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLucy ManningSpecial correspondentSelana Lau's familyNuria Sajjad and Selena Lau were killed in July 2023The driver of...
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Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Woman in court over fatal Wimbledon school crash13 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLucy ManningSpecial correspondentSelana Lau's familyNuria Sajjad and Selena Lau were killed in July 2023The driver of the car which crashed into the grounds of a south-west London school killing two eight-year-old girls has appeared in court. Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau died after a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle crashed into an end-of-term tea party on the lawn of The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon on 6 July 2023. Freemantle appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where she faced two charges of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury to other parents and children.
The parents of Nuria and Selena and others who were injured that day were in the public gallery to witness the 49-year-old's first court appearance. PA MediaClaire Freemantle was granted bail at Westminster Magistrates' Court and is due to appear in court again at the Old Bailey on 14 JulyThe defendant, who spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth, is accused of injuring Nuria's mother Smera Chohan, two other adults, two eight-year-olds, a seven-year-old and a seven-month-old. Freemantle, of Edge Hill, Wimbledon, was charged in May after a previous investigation by the Metropolitan Police ended in 2024 with prosecutors deciding they would not charge her after they said she had suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure.
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The police watchdog is currently investigating 11 Met Police officers over their handling of the initial investigation. Nuria was described by her family after the crash as "a bright, feisty, girl who had a zest for life". Selena's family said she was "an intelligent and cheeky girl who was adored and loved by everyone".
Freemantle's lawyers have previously said she will plead not guilty to all the charges. She was granted bail and will appear in court again at the Old Bailey on 14 July. Listen to the best of Radio London on Sounds and follow London on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.
