A Metropolitan Police officer, PC Ian Brotherton, 32, is facing possible jail time after admitting to causing the death of a moped rider, Cristopher De Carvalho Guedes, 26, by careless driving in Enfield, north London.
The tragic incident occurred on 12 October 2023, as Brotherton was responding to an emergency call. He was driving a marked police van at 47mph in a 30mph zone along Southbury Road with lights and sirens activated. The van went through a red light before colliding with Mr Guedes, who was turning right into Baird Road. The collision happened at approximately 3pm.
Immediate aftermath and investigation
Brotherton stopped at the scene, and officers administered first aid until paramedics arrived. Mr Guedes was transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. An independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ensued, leading to charges being filed against the officer.
During the investigation, Brotherton was placed on restricted duties. At the conclusion of the inquiry, the officer was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. However, at the Old Bailey hearing on Friday, he denied this charge but admitted to the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving.
Court proceedings
Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC informed the court that Mr Guedes’s family, who reside in Brazil, had been consulted about the plea agreement. Judge Nigel Lickley KC accepted the plea and adjourned sentencing until 27 February 2024. The hearing will be conducted before the Recorder of London.
Granting Brotherton continued bail, Judge Lickley imposed an interim driving ban. He emphasised, “The fact I am adjourning your sentence to another day and continuing your bail must not be seen as indicating any particular sentencing options. All sentencing options, including immediate custody, remain available. From this day, you are disqualified from driving until further order.”
Scotland yard responds
Following the hearing, Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines of Scotland Yard extended her condolences to Mr Guedes’s family and friends, saying:
“My thoughts and sympathy remain with the family and friends of Cristopher De Carvalho Guedes at this enormously difficult time. They have lost a loved one due to the careless driving of one of our officers, and while the judicial process has now concluded and PC Brotherton has admitted his guilt, I know there is little I can say that will alleviate the pain they will be suffering.”
Haines highlighted the rigorous training police drivers undergo and the accountability they bear for their actions, even while exercising certain exemptions in emergency situations. She stated:
“An independent investigation conducted by the IOPC, which we fully supported, has gathered all the evidence from that day, and PC Brotherton has admitted to causing Mr Guedes’s death due to his careless driving. While he has shown remorse for his actions, it is right that he has been held to account.”
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Misconduct hearing to follow
Scotland Yard confirmed that Brotherton will face a misconduct hearing now that criminal proceedings have concluded. This hearing will determine whether he can remain in the force following the incident.
Impact of the incident
The case underscores the high standards to which police drivers are held and the significant consequences of any lapses. Although officers are trained for emergency response driving, they are reminded of their responsibility to the public and the accountability they face when standards are not met.
The death of Mr Guedes has sparked ongoing discussions about the balance between emergency response driving and public safety, with this case serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from even momentary lapses in judgement.
As the sentencing date approaches, the court will consider all circumstances surrounding the case, including Brotherton’s remorse and the context of his actions. However, the grieving family of Mr Guedes continues to mourn their loss, with justice yet to be fully served.
