A police officer faces court next month to answer a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Oliver Beal, who has since resigned from the police, crashed into a tree nearly two years ago – and his passenger, 18-year-old Sophie Ford, died at the scene.
Sussex Police said today (Thursday 17 July): “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 Friday 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 Monday 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.”
He was driving a white Seat Leon Cupra along the A21 which is believed to have left the road at Kent Street.
The road was closed both ways between the A2100, near Battle, and the A28, at Baldslow, while the emergency services dealt with the aftermath.
Beal was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries Sussex Police said at the time.
Shortly after the crash, relatives of Sophie Ford spoke about their deep sense of loss and said that she had “touched the hearts of so many people” and would be sorely missed.
Her family said that she was a “beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, grand-daughter and friend” who had recently left Battle Abbey School.
They said: “Sophie was an avid animal lover and sportswoman who loved to sing and listen to music.
“She was a volunteer at a local animal sanctuary and stables and had just embarked upon a degree course in veterinary physiotherapy.
“She had such a promising future ahead of her. We are devastated that her life has been brought to a premature end in this way.
“Sophie touched the hearts of so many people both in the region and overseas and she will be very sadly missed by us all.”
