A police motorcyclist involved in the fatal collision with an 81-year-old woman while escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh was reported to have been “operating below the expected standards,” according to courtroom testimony.

PC Christopher Harrison, 68, a member of the Metropolitan Police, was part of the royal escort when he struck Helen Holland at a pedestrian crossing in Earl’s Court, West London, on May 10, 2023. Mrs. Holland succumbed to her injuries in the hospital two weeks later.

The Old Bailey heard that PC Harrison was allegedly traveling at speeds between 44mph and 58mph as he approached a red traffic light at West Cromwell Road, which has a designated speed limit of 30mph. He faces charges of causing death through careless driving, which he denies.

Johnathan Moody, deputy chief training instructor with Lancashire Police, testified that he was commissioned by the Independent Office for Police Conduct to investigate the incident. He remarked, “The actions observed do not reflect what I would expect from a skilled rider.”

After reviewing interviews, transcripts, and body-worn camera footage, Mr. Moody stated, “During the primary 15-minute escort, the majority of intersections and hazards were managed competently.” However, he emphasized that the response to the final signal—a red light—was not what he would have anticipated from a properly functioning motorcycle and its rider.

He noted that “in most cases,” the escort proceeded as would be typical for a rider of adequate training, except for “the last few seconds at the crossing.”

At the time of the incident, PC Harrison was one of several convoy motorcyclists escorting the Duchess as she departed from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office on King Charles Street shortly after 15:00 BST.

Although motorcycle outriders in such situations can legally exceed speed limits, run red lights, and maneuver on the opposite side of the road, these privileges must be exercised safely and with minimal risk to the public, the court was informed.

The jury heard that the two motorcycle outriders ahead of PC Harrison had already navigated through the crossing by the time he arrived. The preceding rider crossed the intersection just as the light turned red at 15:20.

Mr. Moody indicated that, given the information that the light was red, PC Harrison had alternative options available. He stated, “For the last motorcycle in the escort, I would have expected him to manage that crossing by stopping at the red light.”

Regarding whether PC Harrison was in the process of reducing his speed, Mr. Moody commented, “Based on the footage I reviewed, it did not appear that he was, although determining speed can be challenging.”

Mrs. Holland suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture and bruising to her arms, legs, and torso, as well as fractures in her lower legs. According to a post-mortem examination, the cause of death was determined to be complications related to a significant head injury.

Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC previously stated in court, “Mrs. Holland had the right to cross at that time; Mr. Harrison was aware that the traffic light was red for him, and he should have exercised caution when proceeding through it.”

“He failed to stop and did not notice Mrs. Holland, leading to him driving directly into her,” she asserted. “He ought to have been alert to pedestrians and adjusted his driving accordingly, but he did not, which is why the prosecution argues that he was driving carelessly at that moment.”

The trial is ongoing.