Met PC denies causing death of pregnant woman

Metropolitan Police officer PC Chris Johnson, 56, has denied the charge of causing the death of Mariam Ahmed by dangerous driving. Ms Ahmed, 38, died on 17 October 2024, after her Volkswagen Polo was involved in a collision on Eltham Road in Eltham, south-east London. Her unborn child also could not be saved.

Allegations of high-speed driving

Read Next in London Travel News1 min read

Burrage Road closed after crash causes traffic

Motorists in the SE18 area are advised to seek alternative routes due to ongoing disruption.

The court heard that both PC Johnson and former PC Danny Tomkins, 35, were on duty in separate vehicles as part of a pre-planned deployment. Prosecutors allege that both officers drove at speeds exceeding 70mph in a 30mph zone and overtook traffic on the wrong side of the road for approximately 130 metres. PC Johnson, who was driving the police vehicle involved in the collision, was allegedly travelling at about 50mph at the point of impact, according to prosecutor Louise Oakley KC. Mr Tomkins, whose vehicle was not involved in the collision, is alleged by prosecutors to have overtaken Ms Ahmed at 78mph shortly before the crash.

Ms Ahmed was travelling in the same direction as the officers on Eltham Road and had indicated to turn off before the collision occurred, prosecutors stated. Mr Tomkins had denied dangerous driving before the crash took place.

Investigation and next steps

Related Borough Coverage4 min read

E-bike riders cause injuries to cyclists on London roads

Cyclists report a rise in dangerous riding from illegally modified and rental e-bikes, leading to serious accidents.

The charges followed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which began after a mandatory referral from the Met Police. PC Johnson is attached to the Met's Taskforce, the same unit Mr Tomkins was attached to at the time of the crash, though he has since left the police. Both men have been granted unconditional bail. They are scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey on 8 January for a case management hearing. A trial date has been set for 7 June.