Mercedes Driver Admits Killing Woman in 140mph Christmas Day Crash, North London

Evan Forde, 32, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of 22-year-old Maria Carolina Do Nascimento by dangerous driving after crashing his Mercedes into a BMW at speeds exceeding 140mph on a 40mph stretch of Hendon Way in Brent Cross, north London, on Christmas Day 2022. The Mercedes occupants fled the scene on foot after failing to stop for police when initially signaled to do so, and no police pursuit occurred. Maria Carolina, a passenger in the BMW, died at the scene despite emergency services' attendance. Prosecutors emphasized that minor speed variations would not affect the seriousness of the charge given the extreme speed involved, and the court was informed that Forde's guilty plea at this stage would be considered during sentencing, which is expected to result in imprisonment. Forde's defense acknowledged he was driving and noted that the excessive speed would be an aggravating factor. The Metropolitan Police made a routine referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding the incident.