As court awaits legal advice in fatal Sheriff Street truck accident: Attorney says police’s decision to lodge driver’s licence not lawful

Denzel Webb, the 28-year-old truck driver charged with the fatal accident that claimed the life of Carlton Smartt on Nov. 19, 2024, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that the case file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

Webb, who is represented by attorney George Thomas, remains on bail as the matter was adjourned until February 21.
During the proceedings, Thomas raised concerns over the police’s decision to retain Webb’s driver’s licence.
According to Thomas, Webb had been reporting to the Alberttown Police Station as required by the court when, in December, officers informed him that his licence needed to be lodged.
Thomas argued that such a measure is not lawful, unless specific channels are followed.
When questioned by Magistrate Azore, Webb explained that the police asked to see his licence during a visit and then kept it.
Magistrate Azore noted that after reviewing the case documents, she found no directive stating that Webb’s licence was to be lodged or seized.
Thomas further contended that while police officers may have the authority to seize passports in certain circumstances, other documents—such as driver’s licences—require proper authorisation and procedural adherence.
He urged the court to instruct the prosecution to clarify the matter.
Magistrate Azore instructed the prosecution to investigate and present the necessary details at the next hearing, scheduled for February 21.
Webb remains on bail as the court awaits advice from the DPP on the way forward in the case.
The incident occurred on November 19, 2024, at the intersection of Sheriff and Dennis Streets in Georgetown, resulting in the death of 42-year-old Smartt, an electrical contractor from Newtown Kitty.
It was reported that at about 6:50hrs, Webb’s motor lorry, GAH 5183, reportedly ran a stop sign while travelling at a high speed. This action brought him into the path of another lorry, GAH 8008 also moving at a fast pace along Sheriff Street.
The collision caused both lorries to lose control, with Webb’s vehicle veering off course and fatally striking Smartt, who was jogging in the area at the time. The force of the impact trapped Smartt under the rear wheel of Webb’s lorry. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The out-of-control lorries then collided with six cars and caused significant damage, including one lorry crashing into a nearby building.
At the time, neither driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol.
Despite claims by Webb’s defence that mechanical failure led to the tragedy, the prosecution maintains that excessive speed was a key contributing factor.