Met Police Officer Pleads Guilty After Fatal Crash with Moped Rider
A serving Metropolitan Police officer has admitted causing death by careless driving after a deadly collision with a moped rider in Enfield.
PC Ian Brotherton Faces Justice
PC Ian Brotherton, from the North Area Command Unit, was behind the wheel of a marked police van responding to an emergency call when he struck 26-year-old Cristopher de Carvalho Guedes on 12 October 2023. The crash happened at the junction of Southbury Road and Baird Road.
At the Old Bailey today, Brotherton pleaded guilty to causing Mr Guedes’ death. He will be sentenced on Thursday, 27 February. Meanwhile, he has been disqualified from driving on an interim basis.
Police Offer Condolences Amid Accountability Questions
“My thoughts and sympathy remain with the family and friends of Cristopher de Carvalho Guedes at this enormously difficult time,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who oversees policing in Enfield and Haringey.
“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.”
Haines stressed that despite police drivers being trained to the highest standards, officers are still accountable for their actions.
Incident Details and Next Steps
- The crash occurred at around 3pm with Brotherton’s van’s blue lights and sirens activated.
- Officers on scene gave first aid before Mr Guedes was rushed to hospital, where he tragically later died.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a full investigation.
- Brotherton was placed on restricted duties during the probe.
With criminal proceedings wrapping up, PC Brotherton now faces a police misconduct hearing that could lead to disciplinary action.
The case has reignited debate over police driving exemptions and emergency response accountability. More updates will come as sentencing draws near.
