Charlotte Holland: Mum wants to bring in Charlotte's law

An inquest in October heard that Charlotte Holland, aged 20, died as a result of traumatic head, chest and spine injuries, and that her friend, who found her after the fall, did not call emergency services.

Charlotte and Gaynor Holland (Image: Gaynor Holland) The friend, Will Taylor, was arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released with the investigation dropped.

But coroner Mark Bricknell was unable to confirm that the death, in July 2022, was accidental, with a police officer saying that there was not enough evidence to confirm if anyone else was involved in Miss Holland's death.

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Miss Holland's mother Gaynor Holland is now campaigning for a change in the law to give everyone a legal duty of care in emergencies. "Charlotte's law" would mean that anyone present at the scene of an accident or injury would be legally obligated to contact emergency services.

Left to right: Dale Watkins (stepfather), Marie Neville (friend and supporter), Sally Lewis (friend and supporter), Elaine Rivett (godmother) and Charlotte's mother, Gaynor Holland. (Image: ROB DAVIES) "I started the petition because when Will Taylor found her, then left without phoning for help, the law says he had no duty of care," said Mrs Holland.

"I am fighting to change the law so everyone has a duty of care. If by changing the law I can save one life and one family from going through the devastating loss of a child or someone close then that is my goal.

"My life has been destroyed since I lost my beautiful daughter. She was my best friend, caring, loving, hard-working, would do anything for anyone."

Mrs Holland's petition on Change.org has gained over 1,000 signatures so far. You can view and sign the petition here: www.change.org/p/implement-laws-to-establish-duty-of-care-in-fatal-incidents

The petition says: "This incident raises serious questions about responsibility and duty of care. Currently, there is no legal obligation for individuals to provide immediate assistance or notify authorities.

"We propose a law that requires individuals at the scene of an accident or injury to immediately contact emergency services."