Met Police Officer to Face Charges Over Fatal 2016 Penge Crash
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has given the green light to charge PC Edward Welch, a Metropolitan Police officer, with multiple serious driving offences. The charges relate to a dangerous driving incident on August 31, 2016, in Penge, South London, which left two people dead and one seriously injured.
Charges Detailed
- Causing death by dangerous driving (two counts)
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Dangerous driving
PC Welch is accused of driving dangerously on various roads, causing the deaths of Makayah McDermott and Rozanne Cooper, and seriously injuring Yahla McDermott. The exact date and venue for his first court appearance will be announced soon.
Second Officer Not Charged
A second police officer in the vehicle with Welch has not been charged. The CPS concluded there was insufficient evidence to prosecute any offence against them.
CPS Warns Against Prejudicial Reporting
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” the CPS said.
PC Edward Welch, born 24 June 1988, faces these charges under sections 1 and 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The CPS emphasized their role is to assess whether charges are appropriate — not to determine guilt. That decision rests with the courts.
