On December 2, 2020, Abiola Akilla, a 45-year-old oncology nurse from Chadwell St Mary, appeared before Judge Samantha Cohen at Basildon Crown Court. She faced serious charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving to PC Caroline Green during a traffic stop in Grays on October 31, 2020. Akilla pleaded not guilty to both charges, setting the stage for a full jury trial.
The Incident
The incident occurred on the evening of October 31, when PC Caroline Green stopped Akilla’s vehicle for an alleged speeding offense. Reports indicate that Akilla did not possess a valid driving license or insurance at the time of the stop. During the traffic stop, tensions escalated. Bodycam footage presented in court revealed that Akilla allegedly drove her car forward while PC Green stood in front of the vehicle. PC Green was knocked down, and the car drove over her before speeding off.
PC Green sustained significant injuries, including broken ribs and leg trauma. Despite the severity of her condition, she survived the incident. Witnesses reported hearing her screams of pain, and emergency services were quickly summoned to the scene.
Court Hearing and Evidence
During the initial hearing, Judge Samantha Cohen instructed that bodycam footage of the incident be reviewed. The footage provided a clear timeline of events and was critical in shaping the prosecution’s case. Prosecutors argued that Akilla’s actions were deliberate and posed a grave risk to the officer’s life. Akilla, however, denied any intent to cause harm.
In response to the charges, Akilla’s defense team maintained that her actions were not malicious but a result of panic. They argued that Akilla was overwhelmed by the situation, leading to poor decision-making under stress. However, the prosecution remained firm, highlighting the severity of PC Green’s injuries and the dangerous nature of Akilla’s driving.
Legal Context and Bail Conditions
Following her plea of not guilty, Judge Cohen set a jury trial for March 2021. In the meantime, Akilla was released on conditional bail. Existing bail conditions were modified to reflect the gravity of the charges. While Akilla was no longer required to report twice weekly to Grays Police Station, a strict new condition was imposed: she was banned from driving any vehicle under any circumstances.
Professional Background
Abiola Akilla describes herself as a dedicated oncology nurse with over 15 years of experience working for the NHS and Macmillan Cancer Care. Her professional reputation as a caregiver stands in stark contrast to the accusations she now faces. The case has raised questions about personal conduct and professional accountability, sparking public debate about the responsibilities of individuals in positions of trust.
Reaction from the Public and Authorities
The incident has generated significant attention in Thurrock and beyond. Members of the public expressed shock at the details of the case, particularly given Akilla’s long-standing role in healthcare. Some voiced sympathy for PC Green, emphasizing the risks police officers face daily while performing their duties. Others speculated about the personal circumstances that might have led to Akilla’s actions.
Local authorities reiterated the importance of road safety and compliance with legal requirements, particularly for individuals who serve in professional capacities. Essex Police emphasized their support for PC Green and reaffirmed their commitment to holding those responsible for endangering public servants accountable.
Trial and Conviction (Subsequent Developments)
In March 2022, following a full jury trial, Abiola Akilla was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. During the trial, additional evidence emerged, including the fact that Akilla had never passed a driving test. She had been driving her son’s car at the time of the incident, with her young daughter present in the back seat.
The court heard a harrowing victim statement from PC Green, who described the trauma of being struck and left lying in the road. She recounted the physical and emotional toll of her injuries, noting that she felt fortunate to have survived. The jury found Akilla guilty, and Judge Cohen sentenced her to 30 months in prison.
Professional Misconduct Panel
Following her conviction, Akilla’s professional conduct came under scrutiny by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In April 2024, the NMC held a misconduct panel review to determine whether Akilla should remain on the nursing register.
The panel found that Akilla’s actions represented a serious departure from the standards expected of registered nurses. They noted that her behavior during and after the incident, including failing to disclose her legal situation when applying for agency positions, was fundamentally incompatible with continued practice as a nurse.
As a result, the NMC panel struck Akilla off the nursing register, effectively ending her career in healthcare. The panel emphasized that her conduct had brought the nursing profession into disrepute and undermined public trust in healthcare professionals.
Broader Implications
The case of Abiola Akilla highlights several critical issues, including the balance between personal struggles and professional accountability. It raises questions about the pressures faced by healthcare workers, particularly during challenging times, and the consequences of actions that breach societal trust.
For law enforcement, the incident underscores the dangers faced by officers in routine traffic stops. It serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of such encounters and the importance of measures to ensure officer safety.
Conclusion
Abiola Akilla’s case has left a significant impact on all those involved. For PC Caroline Green, the incident was a life-changing event that tested her resilience and recovery. For Akilla, the consequences of her actions have been profound, resulting in both legal penalties and the loss of her professional standing.
As the public reflects on this case, it serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards, regardless of one’s personal or professional background. The justice system’s response to this incident reaffirms the principle that actions that endanger others will not go unpunished, ensuring accountability and safety for all.
