Prince Philip will not be prosecuted over a crash with another car that saw two women injured because it is ‘not in the public interest,’ it was announced today.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, was pulling onto the A149 in Norfolk just before 3pm on January 17 when his Land Rover collided with a Kia with two women and a nine-month-old baby inside.
The occupants of the car were later revealed to be Emma Fairweather, 46, and 28-year-old Ellie Townsend.
Mrs Townsend’s baby was said to be “very shaken” by the crash, but was not injured.
Mrs Townsend suffered cuts to her knee while Miss Fairweather sustained a broken wrist.
Both required hospital treatment.
In a statement released today (wed) Chris Long, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East of England, said: “The CPS has carefully reviewed material submitted by the police in relation to a traffic collision on the A149 on 17 January this year.
“We took into account all of the circumstances in this case, including the level of culpability, the age of the driver and the surrender of the driving licence.
“We have decided that it would not be in the public interest to prosecute.
“All those involved in the collision have been informed and provided with a full explanation in writing.”
The CPS said the decision was made after considering all the evidence submitted by the police and in accordance with the two stage test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
Prince Philip voluntarily surrendered his driving licence to officers on Saturday, February 9.
A statement by Norfolk Police said: “Norfolk Police can confirm that following receipt of Crown Prosecution Service charging advice, the police investigation into a collision on the A149 at Sandringham in January has now been completed.
“The incident happened on Thursday 17 January shortly before 3pm when a Land Rover and a Kia were involved in a collision at the junction with the B1439.
“The 28-year-old driver of the Kia suffered cuts to her knee while the passenger, a 46-year-old woman, sustained a broken wrist and both required hospital treatment. A third passenger in the Kia, a nine-month-old baby boy, was uninjured.
“The driver of the Land Rover, a 97-year-old man, was uninjured.
“Both drivers were breath tested, as per force policy of anyone involved in a collision, and both provided negative readings.
“A collision investigation was launched and carried out by the roads policing team, which is standard procedure for crashes of this nature.
“As part of the investigation, written statements were provided by both drivers, along with witnesses and officers who attended the scene.
“Police also carried out an eyesight test with the driver of the Land Rover on Saturday 19 January 2019, which he passed successfully.
“The investigation file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration.
“The CPS have confirmed today (14 February) that it would not be in the public interest to prosecute and no further action will be taken.
“All parties involved have been made aware of the outcome.”
by Tommy Lumby
