In the early hours of Christmas Day 2022, a stretch of Hendon Way in Brent Cross, north London, became the scene of a devastating tragedy. At around 3:45 am, Evan Forde, a 32-year-old man from Bedford, was behind the wheel of a black Mercedes, driving at speeds that would later be described in court as "over 140mph"—on a road where the legal limit was just 40mph. The consequences of that reckless decision would ripple through families and the justice system for years to come.
According to BBC News, Forde's high-speed journey ended in catastrophe when he crashed into the back of a BMW. Inside the BMW was 22-year-old Maria Carolina Do Nascimento, a Brazilian national, who was a passenger. Despite the rapid response of the London Ambulance Service, Ms. Nascimento was pronounced dead at the scene. The impact was so severe that nothing could be done to save her.
Moments before the crash, police officers on patrol in a marked vehicle had signaled for Forde to stop. Scotland Yard later clarified that while the officers had indicated for the Mercedes to pull over, Forde sped off and there was no police pursuit. Just a short time later, officers were notified that the same car had been involved in a collision. The occupants of the Mercedes, including Forde, did not stick around to face the consequences. Instead, they abandoned the car and fled the scene on foot, according to statements from the Metropolitan Police.
The crash and its aftermath left a community in shock and a family in mourning. The sense of loss was palpable in the courtroom on August 19, 2025, when Forde appeared at the Old Bailey. As reported by The Sun, members of Ms. Nascimento's family wept openly as Forde pleaded guilty to causing her death by dangerous driving. The acknowledgment of guilt, while expected given the overwhelming evidence, did little to ease the pain for those left behind.
During the hearing, Defence barrister Tasmin Malcolm addressed the court, stating, "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, pointed out that the exact speed—whether slightly higher or lower—was almost immaterial, given that Forde had reached "top speeds of over 140mph." That level of recklessness, Hookway implied, left little room for debate about the seriousness of the offense.
Judge Anthony Leonard KC, presiding over the proceedings, made it clear that Forde's guilty plea was significant but would not spare him from the almost certain reality of prison time. Addressing Forde directly, he said, "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." Sentencing was adjourned until October 22, 2025, and Forde was granted continued conditional bail in the interim.
The incident has not only raised questions about individual responsibility but has also brought the actions of law enforcement into focus. As is routine in such circumstances, the Metropolitan Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), according to both BBC News and The Sun. The referral is standard practice whenever a fatality occurs following police contact, even when, as in this case, there was no active pursuit. The IOPC's role is to ensure transparency and accountability, and to review whether police actions adhered to established protocols.
The events of that night have also prompted wider reflection on road safety, the dangers of excessive speeding, and the tragic consequences that can unfold in the blink of an eye. Driving at 140mph—more than three times the speed limit—on any public road is an act that few would consider anything but reckless. For those who knew Maria Carolina Do Nascimento, the loss is immeasurable. She was described by friends and family as a vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Instead, her life was cut short in a moment of senseless risk-taking.
The public response has been one of sorrow and outrage. Many have questioned how such speeds could be reached on urban roads, and what more can be done to prevent similar tragedies. Road safety advocates have pointed to the case as a stark reminder of the catastrophic impact that dangerous driving can have—not only on the victims and their families, but also on communities and the justice system. Calls for stricter enforcement of speed limits and harsher penalties for dangerous driving have grown louder in the wake of the incident.
For the Metropolitan Police, the incident has been a sobering reminder of the limits of their powers and the unpredictable nature of high-speed chases. The decision not to pursue Forde's vehicle was in line with current guidelines, which prioritize public safety and seek to minimize the risk of escalation. Nonetheless, the tragic outcome has led to renewed debate about the balance between intervention and restraint when dealing with dangerous drivers.
As the case awaits its final chapter in the courtroom, the focus remains on justice for Maria Carolina Do Nascimento and her loved ones. The sentencing hearing in October is expected to bring some measure of closure, though no legal outcome can undo the loss suffered. For Evan Forde, the road ahead is likely to lead to prison—a consequence Judge Leonard described as "the most likely result—if not the inevitable result." For the wider community, the hope is that the lessons learned from this tragedy will help prevent future heartbreak on the roads.
The events of Christmas morning 2022 will not be forgotten by those affected. The story serves as a stark warning about the perils of dangerous driving and the irreversible consequences that can follow. As the legal process draws to a close, the memory of Maria Carolina Do Nascimento will endure, a reminder of the human cost behind the headlines.
