In the early hours of Christmas Day 2022, a tragedy unfolded on a quiet stretch of Hendon Way in Brent Cross, north London. What should have been a peaceful holiday morning quickly turned catastrophic when Evan Forde, a 32-year-old man from Bedford, crashed his black Mercedes into the back of a BMW at a speed that would make most people’s jaws drop—over 140 miles per hour, according to BBC and The Sun. The speed limit on that stretch of road? Just 40 mph.
Inside the BMW was Maria Carolina Do Nascimento, a 22-year-old woman whose life was cut heartbreakingly short in the collision. Despite the rapid response of the London Ambulance Service, Maria died at the scene. Her death sent shockwaves through her family and the wider community, leaving many to question how such a senseless act could happen—especially on a day meant for celebration and togetherness.
The events leading up to the crash were as reckless as they were tragic. According to Scotland Yard, police officers on patrol had signaled for Forde to stop his vehicle shortly before the collision. Instead of pulling over, Forde sped away, reaching what prosecutor Frederick Hookway later described as “top speeds of over 140mph.” There was no pursuit by the police, a detail confirmed by both BBC and The Sun, as officers decided not to chase the Mercedes, likely weighing the risks of a high-speed pursuit in a residential area. Moments later, news came in that the same car had been involved in a devastating crash.
What happened next was, if possible, even more brazen. The occupants of the Mercedes—including Forde—did not stop to help or check on the victims. Instead, they fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a scene of destruction and a family’s worst nightmare. The Metropolitan Police quickly made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is routine in cases where police had prior contact with a suspect before a fatal incident.
On August 19, 2025, the wheels of justice turned at the Old Bailey, one of London’s most storied courtrooms. Forde, now facing the full weight of his actions, pleaded guilty to causing Ms. Nascimento’s death by dangerous driving. The admission brought tears to the eyes of Maria’s family, who were present in court and visibly shaken by the proceedings, as reported by both The Sun and BBC.
During the hearing, the gravity of Forde’s actions was laid bare. Defence barrister Tasmin Malcolm did not dispute the facts of the case. In fact, she stated that Forde had “always accepted” he was the driver of the Mercedes that night. Malcolm acknowledged, “Undoubtedly the speed Mr Forde was driving will be an aggravating feature to the court. It is important we are satisfied of the accuracy of the material relied on by the Crown.”
The prosecution, led by Frederick Hookway, made it clear that even small discrepancies in the reported speeds were irrelevant given the sheer recklessness involved. “Small variations of the speeds involved in the case were unlikely to have an impact given the defendant had reached top speeds of over 140mph,” Hookway told the court, as cited by BBC and The Sun. The facts were simply too stark to ignore.
Presiding over the case, Judge Anthony Leonard KC did not mince words when addressing Forde. He adjourned sentencing until October 22, 2025, but granted Forde continued conditional bail, a decision that may surprise some observers given the seriousness of the offense. However, Judge Leonard was clear-eyed about the likely outcome. “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious charge. There was perhaps no option other than to do so given the state of the evidence. However, the fact you pleaded at this stage will be taken into account at sentencing. You must understand the most likely result—if not the inevitable result—will be you sent to prison.”
The case has raised difficult questions about road safety, policing, and accountability. The fact that Forde was able to reach such extreme speeds on a public road, and then flee the scene, has prompted renewed calls for more effective deterrents against dangerous driving. Some residents of Brent Cross have voiced concerns over the adequacy of current speed enforcement measures, especially in areas where high-speed vehicles are known to be a problem. Others have questioned whether police should have pursued Forde, though experts often point out that high-speed chases can themselves lead to additional risks for the public.
Routine though it may be, the referral of the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct is a reminder of the scrutiny that follows any incident where police interaction precedes a fatality. The IOPC’s review will examine whether police actions were appropriate and in line with established protocols. While there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by officers in this case—both BBC and The Sun report that there was no pursuit—the process is an important safeguard for public trust.
For Maria Carolina Do Nascimento’s loved ones, the legal process is only a small part of a much larger tragedy. The court proceedings, the statements from lawyers, and the judge’s stern warnings cannot bring her back. Family members wept in court, a stark reminder of the human cost behind every statistic and headline. The community, too, has been left to grapple with the aftermath—one more life lost to reckless driving, one more family forever changed.
As the October sentencing approaches, many will be watching to see what punishment the court deems fitting for Forde’s actions. The law is clear on the seriousness of causing death by dangerous driving, but the hope for many is that justice, in whatever form it takes, will offer some measure of closure to Maria’s family and perhaps serve as a warning to others who might consider putting their own thrill above the safety of others.
This case stands as a chilling reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered by a moment’s recklessness. The facts are plain, the consequences devastating, and the questions it raises—about responsibility, justice, and the value of a human life—are ones that linger long after the court case fades from the headlines.
