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Eltham Road crash: PC Chris Johnson pleads not guilty over death of Mariam Ahmed
A former PC also denies a dangerous driving charge. Mariam Ahmed, 38, died in the collision in October 2024 while pregnant.
Key facts
- Mariam Ahmed, 38, died after a crash on Eltham Road on 17 October 2024
- PC Chris Johnson, 56, denies causing death by dangerous driving
- Danny Tomkins, 35, who has since left the Met, denies a dangerous driving charge
- Case management hearing on 8 January, trial listed for 7 June
A Metropolitan Police officer has pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after a pregnant woman died in a crash in Eltham. PC Chris Johnson, 56, entered his plea at the Old Bailey.
The collision happened on Eltham Road on 17 October 2024. Mariam Ahmed, 38, was driving a Volkswagen Polo and died after the crash. Her baby could not be saved.
Two men charged over the Eltham Road crash
Prosecutors say Johnson was driving the police car that was involved in the collision.
A second man, Danny Tomkins, 35, was a PC at the time and has since left the force. He denies a charge of dangerous driving in the run-up to the crash. Prosecutors say his vehicle was not part of the collision.
The court heard that both men were on duty that day, each in a separate vehicle, as part of what was described as a “pre-planned deployment”. Prosecutors say Ms Ahmed was heading the same way along the road as the two officers, and was signalling to turn off when the crash happened.
According to the Met, Johnson is attached to its Taskforce. Tomkins was also serving with the Taskforce when Ms Ahmed died.
Police watchdog investigation and trial date
The Met was required to refer the crash to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The watchdog carried out an investigation, and the charges followed.
Both men were released on unconditional bail. They are due back at the Old Bailey on 8 January for a case management hearing, and their trial has been listed for 7 June.
Key questions
What are the two men charged with?
Johnson faces a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Tomkins, who has since left the police, is charged with dangerous driving before the crash. Both deny the charges.
When is the trial?
A trial date of 7 June has been set. A case management hearing takes place at the Old Bailey on 8 January.
Who investigated the crash?
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The Met was required to refer the case to it.
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