Met officer admits causing moped rider's death

The fatal collision happened at the junction of Southbury Road and Baird Road in Enfield

A Metropolitan Police officer has admitted knocking over and killing a moped rider while responding to an emergency call.

PC Ian Brotherton, 32, was driving at 47mph (75 km/h) in a 30mph (50 km/h) zone when his marked police vehicle crashed into 26-year-old Cristopher De Carvalho Guedes.

At the Old Bailey on Friday, Brotherton denied causing death by dangerous driving but admitted a lesser charge of causing Mr Guedes's death by careless driving.

Judge Nigel Lickley KC imposed an interim driving ban on Brotherton until further notice, and adjourned sentencing until 27 February at the same court.

The court heard that on 12 October 2023 Brotherton's police vehicle went through a red light with its lights and sirens on in Southbury Road in Enfield, north London.

It then collided with Mr Guedes, who was turning right into Baird Road.

Mr Guedes was taken to hospital but died the following day.

The charges were brought against Brotherton after an investigation by the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

In court, prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC accepted the plea and confirmed the victim's family, who live in Brazil, were previously consulted following an earlier indication of the defendant's plea.

'Little I can say'

The judge granted the defendant, from east Hertfordshire, continued bail.

He told Brotherton: "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."

The Met said now the criminal case had concluded, Brotherton would face a misconduct hearing.

Det Ch Supt Caroline Haines, who is responsible for policing in Enfield and Haringey, said Mr Guedes' family and friends had "lost a loved one due to the careless driving of one of our officers".

"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."

She added while Brotherton had "shown remorse for his actions, it is right that he has been held to account".