Driver admits killing woman and two dogs in hit-and-run

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 10:14 · Archive

Dantay Roche, 24, admitted causing death by dangerous driving after hitting Marie Theobald, 48, and her two dogs at 61mph in a 30mph zone.

Dantay Roche, 24, of Tine Road, Chigwell, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 28 October to causing death by dangerous driving in the death of Marie Theobald, 48, in Chigwell. He also admitted causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle and causing criminal damage.

Ms Theobald was struck and killed by Roche's white Seat Leon as she crossed Manford Way with her two Maltese dogs, Riley and Honey, on 22 December 2023, just three days before Christmas. Police forensic evidence showed Roche was driving at 61mph in a 30mph zone. Emergency services attended, but Ms Theobald and her two dogs were pronounced dead at the scene.

Roche abandoned the vehicle in nearby Stevens Way and fled. CCTV showed Roche and a passenger inspecting the damage before leaving. Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite said Roche 'has never provided an explanation either to the police or the courts' for his speed. Sentencing is scheduled for January 2027.

Driver admits killing woman and two dogs in hit-and-run — Image: Colchester Gazette

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How it is being reported

Speeding driver admits killing mum and two dogs at 61mph before he fled crashDantay Roche admits killing Marie Theobald and her two dogs in a Chigwell hit-and-run after driving at 61mph in a 30mph zone. Sentencing is January 2027.Colchester Gazette · 30 Oct, 09:32
Speeding driver admits killing mum and two dogs at 61mph before he fled crashDantay Roche admits killing Marie Theobald and her two dogs in a Chigwell hit-and-run after driving at 61mph in a 30mph zone. Sentencing is January 2027.Brentwood Guardian · 30 Oct, 09:32
Speeding driver admits killing mum and two dogs at 61mph before he fled crashDantay Roche admits killing Marie Theobald and her two dogs in a Chigwell hit-and-run after driving at 61mph in a 30mph zone. Sentencing is January 2027.Echo (Basildon) · 30 Oct, 09:32

In this story: Dantay Roche · Marie Theobald · Chigwell · Old Bailey · Manford Way

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