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Woman in court over fatal Wimbledon school crash
TL;DR
Claire Freemantle has appeared in court charged with causing the deaths of two eight-year-old girls in a crash at a Wimbledon school. The incident occurred during an end-of-term tea party on July 6, 2023.
Key points
- Claire Freemantle charged with causing death by dangerous driving
- Two eight-year-old girls killed in Wimbledon school crash
- Incident occurred during an end-of-term tea party
Mentioned in this story
Claire FreemantleNuria SajjadSelena LauThe Study Preparatory School
The 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.
The 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.
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.
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Q&A
What charges is Claire Freemantle facing in the Wimbledon school crash?
Claire Freemantle faces two charges of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury.
When did the fatal crash at The Study Preparatory School occur?
The fatal crash occurred on July 6, 2023, during an end-of-term tea party.
Who were the victims of the Wimbledon school crash?
The victims were two eight-year-old girls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, who died in the incident.
