A driver crashed into a lamppost and killed his girlfriend during a 91mph police after being suspected of flying a drone into a prison, a court heard.
Craig Kearney, 27, is charged with causing death by dangerous driving after nursery nurse Acacia Smith, 25, was killed in the collision in south west London.
The car was being followed by officers investigating reports of a drone being flown near the grounds of Wandsworth Prison.
A court heard Kearney was allegedly driving at up to 91mph in a 30mph zone before he crashed and collided with a lamppost.
Acacia Smith, 25, (pictured) was killed following the collision near Wandsworth Bridge, south west London
Craig Kearney, 27, (pictured with Acacia) was being followed by officers investigating reports of a drone being flown near Wandsworth Prison
He was supported by family members when he appeared briefly at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.
Henry Fitch, prosecuting, set out the Crown’s case saying: ‘On 9 August last year around 3am police were called to Wandsworth Prison to reports of a drone being flown near the prison.
‘They were informed the vehicle had left the area shortly before they arrived. They pursued that vehicle, there was a chase.
‘He crashed and collided with a lamppost and that resulted in the death of the passenger in the defendant’s vehicle.
‘Damage was also caused to residential properties near where the vehicle ended.’
Kearney, of Southall, west London, is charged with one count of death by dangerous driving.
He was granted conditional bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey on January 2.
Speaking after Ms Smith’s death friends paid tribute to the ‘beautiful, inspirational’ nursery nurse known as ‘Caysha’.
She had worked at various nurseries in Acton and had ambitions of opening a creche of her own.
The couple were in a silver hatchback that was pursued by officers and it ended up crashing into a lamppost
Officers were responding to calls that a drone was flying near Wandsworth Prison (pictured)
Friends paid tribute to Miss Smith on Facebook, describing her as a ‘very special person’.
One wrote: ‘Caysha was beautiful inside and out. We are all going to miss her so much. Rip beautiful girl love you always xxx’
Another said: ‘Rip beautiful such a humble soul, a truly lovely girl’.
Mr Kearney’s sister Carly wrote on Facebook: ‘To all that may know my brother and sister in law have been a massive car crash sadly my loving sister in law is no long with us and my loving brother is in hospital all prayers and love from all around rip acacia smith love so much [sic].’
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