Wimbledon School Crash Driver Faces Two Death by Dangerous Driving Charges

Claire Freemantle has appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury. The charges relate to a crash on 6 July 2023, where a Land Rover entered the grounds of The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon during an end-of-term tea party.

The incident resulted in the deaths of eight-year-old pupils Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau. Several others, including Nuria's mother, Smera Chohan, two other adults, two eight-year-olds, a seven-year-old, and a seven-month-old, sustained serious injuries.

Ms Freemantle, 49, from Edge Hill, Wimbledon, spoke only to confirm her personal details. Families of the deceased and injured were present in the public gallery for her initial court appearance. Her lawyers have indicated she intends to plead not guilty to all charges.

The current legal proceedings follow an earlier Metropolitan Police investigation, which concluded in 2024 without charges after prosecutors cited an undiagnosed epileptic seizure as a factor. However, Ms Freemantle was subsequently charged in May. The police watchdog is currently investigating 11 Met Police officers concerning their handling of the initial inquiry.

Ms Freemantle was granted bail and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 14 July.