The case surrounding the tragic death of a pensioner, Mrs. Holland, has recently concluded with the royal outrider, PC Harrison, being cleared. This incident highlight the complexities of motorbike escort duties, especially those involving high-profile individuals.
Incident Overview
The accident occurred while PC Harrison was part of a motorbike escort for the Duchess of Edinburgh. This took place on King Charles Street just after 3:00 PM BST. The police motorbike was part of a convoy that included an official vehicle for the duchess and a backup vehicle.
Details of the Collision
During the trial, jurors learned that Mrs. Holland was 2.9 meters onto the pedestrian crossing when the collision happened. She sustained serious injuries, including:
- Skull fractures
- Bruising on arms, legs, and body
- Fractures in lower legs
A post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was complications arising from a severe head injury.
PC Harrison’s Testimony
PC Harrison, who has 21 years of experience in special escort operations, expressed his remorse during the trial. He described the event as a “tragic accident” that occurred under circumstances beyond his control. Emotionally stating, “She just appeared in front of me,” he emphasized the unexpected nature of the incident.
Account of the Day
Under cross-examination, PC Harrison admitted to forgetting to activate his body-worn camera and failing to use his whistle while approaching the crossing. Despite this, he maintained that he was not complacent during the escort duty. He did not perceive Mrs. Holland until the last moment, commenting, “At no point did I see her on the island, I’m sorry.”
Conclusion
The trial ultimately focused on the nature of the accident and the responsibilities of those involved in royal escort duties. While the loss of Mrs. Holland remains a tragic event, PC Harrison was cleared of any wrongdoing in this case.
