The charges against the woman accused of killing teenager Harry Parker have been dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service said there is not enough evidence to pursue the case.
The 14-year-old died on Akers Way on the morning of November 25, 2022, just days before his 15th birthday, after being struck by a car outside his school that is said not to have stopped.
Ivy Mwangi, a carer from Redhouse, was arrested in November 2022 shortly after the incident and she was later charged in March 2024 before several court hearings had taken place.
Earlier this year, her defence counsel argued for the case to be dismissed and Judge Jason Taylor KC agreed to a hearing on September 27 for the legal argument to be heard, but it was adjourned until December 6.
Read More: Harry Parker's parents bereft after case into his death ends
However, the Crown Prosecution Service has now made the decision not to pursue the charges against Mwangi, before that hearing could take place.
Tim Cole, Acting Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Harry Parker for their tragic loss.
“We keep every case under review to make sure that there is enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
“We examined this case in great detail – including obtaining the advice of a forensic collision expert – and it has become clear that there is not enough evidence to demonstrate that this collision could reasonably have been avoided, and therefore that the driving was careless.
“We have met with Harry’s family to explain to them our decision.”
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “The Parker family have been informed of a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to not pursue their case, citing lack of evidence.
“The decision reverses a previous decision by the CPS to authorise a charge of causing death by careless driving.”
Superintendent Guy Elkins added: “We recognise the distress that this decision will have caused to Harry’s family and we will continue to support them at this difficult time.
“Wiltshire Police will continue to work closely with the Parker family to ensure they are kept informed about any further developments with this case.”
Mwangi first appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court charged with causing death by careless driving, causing death by driving while unlicensed and causing death by driving while uninsured.
She initially pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty to driving without a licence at a later hearing at Swindon Crown Court, but failed to enter a plea to the other two charges, and a trial date was set for February 24, 2025.
In August it was revealed that Mwangi’s defence counsel Mr Simmons, represented by Ms Blackband, had raised several legal arguments in a bid to get the case dismissed.
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