Key facts
- Claire Freemantle has appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
- The charges relate to a crash at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon on July 6, 2023.
- Two eight-year-old girls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, died in the incident.
- Freemantle also faces seven counts of causing serious injury.
- She was granted bail and will next appear at the Old Bailey on July 14.
Claire Freemantle, 49, has appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a crash at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon on July 6, 2023. The incident resulted in the deaths of eight-year-old girls Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau.
Freemantle appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where she also faces seven counts of causing serious injury to other individuals, including parents and children. The parents of the deceased girls and other injured parties were present in the public gallery for her first court appearance. Freemantle spoke only to confirm her name, address, and date of birth.
She 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 baby. The defendant was charged in May after an initial Metropolitan Police investigation concluded in 2024, with prosecutors deciding not to charge her at that time, citing an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. The police watchdog is currently investigating 11 Met Police officers regarding their handling of the initial investigation.
Nuria was remembered by her family as "a bright, feisty, girl who had a zest for life," while Selena's family described her as "an intelligent and cheeky girl who was adored and loved by everyone." Freemantle's legal team has indicated she will plead not guilty to all charges. She was granted bail and is scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey on July 14.