…on five charges of causing death by dangerous driving
JORMIN Jackson, the driver of the speeding Sophia minibus in the horrific fatal accident on Homestretch Avenue on Monday night, was yesterday remanded to prison. It is alleged that the minibus ran out of control as the driver was attempting to overtake another minibus when one of its wheels blew out.
Four persons died that night and one other died the next day, while others were hospitalized.
The driver, Jormin Jackson, 29, of Section-A South Sophia, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octave-Hamilton on five indictable charges of causing death by dangerous driving.
Jackson was not required to plead to the charges which stated that on Monday, July 18, at Homestretch Avenue Road, Georgetown, he drove motor minibus BMM 988, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Erica La Cruz, Crazel Paul, Junior Duncan, Elron Peter McLennon, and Corretta Benjamin.
Attorney-at-law James Bond, who represented Jackson, made a bail application and told the court that his client is no flight risk since he is willing to lodge his passport and can be found at the his home address. Bond also said that the driver was not speeding at the time and that the accident was caused on fault.
The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the offenses. The magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecutor and bail was refused. The magistrate added that the courts ought to send a very strong message to such offenders.
No facts were given relating to the matter and it was transferred to Court One for report on September 9.
Surviving passengers of the tragedy said that the bus was moving at a normal pace, but the speeded up as he attempted to undertake another bus, after which a blow-out occurred and the bus toppled.
Two of the passengers are still hospitalized in critical condition. Ten-year-old Sean Archibald suffered severe head injuries and is currently on life-support in the Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and also nursing serious injuries is Keisha Thornton, who, according to a relative, has to undergo surgery on her jaw.
The other accident victims, including the conductor of the bus, were treated at the hospital and sent away.