A serving Metropolitan Police officer has pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving after a fatal collision involving a moped rider in Enfield.
PC Ian Brotherton, attached to the North Area Command Unit, was driving a marked police van responding to an emergency call when he collided with 26-year-old Cristopher de Carvalho Guedes on 12 October 2023.
At a hearing at the Old Bailey today, PC Brotherton admitted to causing Mr Guedes’ death. He is set to be sentenced on Thursday, 27 February and has been disqualified from driving on an interim basis.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who oversees policing in Enfield and Haringey, expressed condolences to the victim’s family:
“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.”
She added that while police drivers are trained to the highest standards, they remain accountable for their actions.
The Incident
The collision occurred at around 15:00hrs on 12 October 2023 at the junction of Southbury Road and Baird Road.
- PC Brotherton was responding to an emergency call, with the van’s blue lights and sirens activated, when the crash took place.
- The van stopped at the scene, and officers provided first aid before Mr Guedes was taken to hospital, where he later died.
- A referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which conducted an independent investigation.
- PC Brotherton was placed on restricted duties while the investigation was carried out.
What Happens Next?
Now that the criminal proceedings have concluded, PC Brotherton will face a police misconduct hearing to determine any disciplinary action.
The case has raised questions about police driving exemptions and the accountability of officers responding to emergencies.
Further updates will follow as the sentencing approaches.
