A man has pleaded guilty to killing a 22-year-old woman in a brutal high-speed hit-and-run on Christmas Day 2022. Evan Forde, 32, was caught driving a Mercedes at a shocking 140mph in a 40mph zone on Hendon Way, Brent Cross, when he smashed into the back of a BMW at around 3.45am.
Tragically, Maria Carolina Do Nascimento Migel, a 22-year-old Brazilian passenger in the BMW, died instantly at the scene. Forde and his passengers fled the crash on foot, ignoring police attempts to stop them.
Court Drama at the Old Bailey
On Tuesday, Forde admitted causing death by dangerous driving in a tense hearing at the Old Bailey. Family members of Ms Migel broke down in tears as the guilty plea was read out.
Defence barrister Tasmin Malcolm confirmed Forde “has always accepted” he was behind the wheel. She warned the court:
“Undoubtedly the speed Mr Forde was driving will be an aggravating feature to the court. It is important we are satisfied of the accuracy of the material relied on by the Crown.”
Prosecutor Frederick Hookway dismissed concerns over slight variations in speed calculations, insisting the top speed of over 140mph was clear and alarming.
Judge Issues Stark Warning
Judge Anthony Leonard KC postponed sentencing until 22 October but kept Forde on conditional bail. He laid down a grim warning:
“You have pleaded guilty to a very serious charge. There was perhaps no option other than to do so given the state of the evidence. However, the fact you pleaded at this stage will be taken into account at sentencing. You must understand the most likely result – if not the inevitable result – will be you sent to prison.”
Police Chase Ends in Tragedy
Just before the crash, police in a marked car signalled for Forde to stop, but he sped off. Officers did not pursue at the time. The Metropolitan Police have since referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), a routine move for incidents involving police and fatalities.
