Grieving dad says ‘we’ve had no justice’ after police driver killed his ‘beautiful’ daughter, 22, in 64mph crash
A GRIEVING dad said he’s had “no justice” after it was ruled a cop was “not at fault” for killing his daughter in a high-speed crash.
Jade Mutua, 22, was crossing the road in a 30mph zone when she was struck by a patrol car at 64mph.
Her father Jermaine Laxmidas, 43, waited four years for an inquest – only to be told on Thursday that her death was not unlawful.
He told The Sun: “We have had no justice as a family. You can’t think that it’s acceptable to drive like that.
“Doing twice the limit sets a dangerous precedent. How can it be acceptable to drive at that speed in a busy, built up area?
“He killed her – that’s the end of the story. He couldn’t react in time. Jade had 1.3 seconds to react, she didn’t stand a chance.
“If he was travelling just 5mph slower then she could have made it. My beautiful girl would still be alive today.
“The Met’s policy is out of date. I am calling for a limit to be set for police responding to calls. I hope that it will save more lives.”
PC Gary Watkinson struck Jade while racing to the scene of a knife attack at a Nando’s restaurant, the inquest heard.
The social studies student suffered a brain injury, a broken back, neck, ruptured pelvis and broken leg when she was hit in Kensington, West London, in August 2019.
Paramedics managed to revive her but she died two days later at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, when the decision was made to switch off her life support machine.
PC Watkinson had blue lights on and sirens wailing as he hit 64mph in a 30mph zone after receiving a call of a knifeman attacking a woman at Nando’s in King Street, Hammersmith.
Jade came running into the road from a blind spot and she was launched 20-30 metres into the air following the impact, Inner West London Coroner’s Court heard.
PC Watkinson had expressed his extreme remorse to the family of Jade during the four day inquest.
He said: “I have thought about this incident, everyday from the last four years, and I am not exaggerating there, it has ruined me.
“I just really wish this accident had not occurred; I cannot stress enough how much I hate it.”
The inquest jury found that Jade suffered multiple injuries following a road traffic accident.
Coroner Fiona Wilcox said: “It has been harrowing for everyone, for you as members of the jury, for everyone who was involved at the scene, for the driver of the police car, but most importantly for the family and friends of Jade.
“And I note that the father, Mr Laximidas, who has sat right through the pre-sentencing hearings, is too distressed to sit here today.
“There is nothing else that can be said, because nothing else that can be said can bring back Jade, nothing can be said to reverse what happened.
“There is nothing further for me to say, other than to thank you, members of the jury and I am exceptionally grateful for all the work you have given.
“This has been a horrible death, it is always tragic when someone is lost in such tragic circumstances.”
We have had no justice as a family. You can’t think that it’s acceptable to drive like that.
Jermaine Laxmidas
PC Watkinson and colleague PC Tania Rebeiro were initially heading to Old Brompton Road to source some insulin for a suspect with diabetes they had arrested earlier that day.
But a call came in of a man attacking a lady with a knife in Nandos, Hammersmith, which prompted him to head there with blue lights and sirens.
PC Watkinson received the call at 21:51 that evening and made the decision to travel there at speed.
Ms Wilcox said: “I am sure you will understand the dreadful situation Mr Laximidas is in.”
Jermaine has opened his charity The Jade Mutua Foundation Trust and works with eight others to provide shelter and care for disadvantaged people.
Calling for change, Jermaine, who works in property, added: “The jury should have been allowed to consider whether the speed the officer was driving at amounted to dangerous driving and give a verdict of unlawful killing.
“I understand that isn’t possible under the law at the moment, but this must change. It is time for the ‘Jade Mutua’s Law’. I hope when they hear about the case the public will support me.”