Former police officer summonsed for causing death by dangerous driving

A former police officer will appear in court to face a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following a collision near Battle in 2023.

Oliver Beal, 29, was the driver in a single-vehicle collision in the A21 near Battle at around 11.15pm on 27 October, 2023.

Eighteen-year-old Sophie Ford, who was the sole passenger, was sadly confirmed deceased at the scene. Her family are being supported by specialist officers.

Beal, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was placed on restricted duties while an investigation was carried out, and resigned from the force on 20 November, 2024.

Beal has now been summonsed to face a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 19 August.