Chigwell man causes death of Ilford woman and her dogs

A MAN appeared at the Old Bailey on 28th October – and pleaded guilty to causing the death of a dog walker and her two dogs in an incident which happened three days before Christmas 2023.

The guilty man has been named as Dantay Roche, 24, of Tine Road, Chigwell. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, criminal damage and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle. He was remanded in custody and is due to return to the Old Bailey on 25th January 2027 for sentencing.

Victim Marie Theobald

The incident occurred at around 5pm on 22nd December 2023. Roche had been driving his white Seat Leon at 61 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone. His victim, Marie Theobald, was trying to cross Manford Way with her two dogs, Riley and Honey, when Roche collided with her. Police, the London Ambulance Service and London’s air ambulance rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts Marie was pronounced dead at the scene. The two dogs also died in the collision.

The Seat Leon was found badly damaged nearby – abandoned in a cul de sac, Steves Way. The police quickly identified Roche as the keeper of the vehicle. He handed himself in at Ilford police station the day after the collision.

Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite, who led the investigation, said, “This was an awful incident that resulted in Marie’s death in the most tragic circumstances just days before Christmas. My thoughts remain with her family and loved ones.

“We do not know why Roche was driving like he was that night, as he has never provided an explanation either to the police or the courts. But he drove dangerously fast at twice the speed limit on a busy road in a residential area, then took the cowardly decision to leave the scene after striking Marie and her two dogs.”

Honey and Riley

In a statement released in December 2023 following Marie’s death, her family said, “Marie was a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless woman who would do anything for anyone. Marie always put others first. The dogs Riley and Honey were much loved members of the family. They adored Marie as she adored them. May they all rest in perfect peace together.”

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