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A driver has admitted causing the death of a woman who was crossing a road in east London with her two dogs. The Metropolitan Police say his car was travelling at 61mph in a 30mph limit.
The Met said Dantay Roche, 24, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on 28 October 2026 to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle and criminal damage. He was remanded in custody, and sentencing is listed for 25 January 2027.
Marie Theobald, 48, was crossing Manford Way with her two Maltese dogs at about 5pm on 22 December 2023 when she was hit by Roche’s white Seat Leon, according to the force. She died at the scene. Her dogs, Riley and Honey, also died.
Police investigation
Police said the car was later found abandoned with heavy front damage in nearby Stevens Way. CCTV showed the driver and a passenger looking at the damage before leaving, the force said. Roche went to Ilford police station the next day, was arrested and was released on bail while enquiries continued.
He was charged on 29 July 2026 and appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 30 September. Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite, who led the investigation, said police do not know why Roche was driving so fast, because Roche has never explained it. He called the decision to leave the scene cowardly.
Remembering Marie
In a family statement published by police, relatives described Marie as a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend who was honest, hardworking and selfless and always put others first. They said Riley and Honey were much-loved members of the family.
The speed figure is the police account. Dodgy Drivers has not seen the underlying collision report.
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