A British expat accused of killing a baby while allegedly drunk-driving in a Spanish resort has had her hearing suspended after suffering a panic attack in court.
Olivia Brown, 23, has been accused of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs when she reportedly hit several people after driving onto a pavement in Lanzarote’s Playa Blanca on Monday.
The collision resulted in the death of a four-month-old British girl and injured six others, including the baby’s parents and maternal grandparents – as well as a Swedish mother and daughter, authorities said.
Police said Brown had been tested for drink and drugs at the scene, and was subsequently arrested and charged on suspicion of driving under the influence of both.
Expat Olivia Brown is accused of killing a baby while allegedly drunk-driving in Playa Blanca
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But the expat’s hearing was suspended today after a doctor ruled she could not be adequately questioned, with a judge releasing Brown on bail before a new court date can be arranged.
With a criminal investigation ongoing, Brown’s bail conditions include a requirement to check in at court every two weeks, as well as a travel ban.
A spokesperson for the judge said: “The suspect has appeared this morning before Arrecife’s Court of Investigation Number One, but has not been able to testify due to an anxiety attack.
“The forensic examiner has ruled that she was not in a fit state to make a statement, so an attempt will be made in the near future.
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Authorities in nearby Yaiza posted this photo online as mayor Oscar Noda declared two days of mourning
“For the time being she has been provisionally released as the suspected author of a crime of manslaughter and another of driving under the influence of alcohol, toxic drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances under article 379.2 of the Spanish penal code.
“As precautionary measures, she has the obligation to sign on at court on the 1st and 15th of each month, she has had to surrender her passport and she has been banned from leaving national territory.”
A spokesperson from nearby town Yaiza’s Town Hall said: “Two people from Sweden, a mother and daughter, were hurt. Four people from the UK were injured along with the baby that died.
“The mother and father of the youngster are among the injured as well as the baby’s two maternal grandparents. The father of the baby and the baby’s grandmother are the most seriously injured.”
Oscar Noda, Mayor of Yaiza, said he hoped all the survivors would recover, adding: “I am going to declare two days of mourning, and tomorrow at midday a minute’s silence will be held at the doors of the town hall.
“The British family were walking along the pavement in a correct and normal way when they were mown down by a vehicle that was totally out of control. The moments that followed were very delicate and very traumatic.”
The Daily Mirror reported that a source said: “The father and maternal grandmother remain in intensive care but will both pull through – their lives are not in danger.
“The other two British nationals, the baby’s mum and maternal grandfather, are also still in hospital but are on a ward. They were all aware the little girl, who was four-and-a-half months old, had died from the first moment despite their injuries and they’re obviously absolutely devastated.”