Mandela Avenue Fatal Accident: Man pays $1M compensation; DPP to determine if case to be withdrawn
The legal proceedings surrounding the 2024 fatal accident on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, took another turn on Friday, when 22-year-old electrician Chris Sobers, again petitioned the court to have his $300,000 bail redirected as partial payment toward a $1 million compensation agreement with the estate of Edward Solomon, the 28-year-old motorcyclist who died following the accident.
Appearing before Chief (ag) Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Sobers renewed his request to apply the bail sum toward his compensation commitment, leaving him with only $300,000 outstanding to be paid. However, the Magistrate explained that for such an arrangement to be approved, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would have to agree to withdraw the case.
According to Magistrate McGusty, once the case is withdrawn, the bail money would be refunded, allowing Sobers to use it for compensation. However, the DPP’s office must first decide whether the matter will be discontinued.
Chris Sobers, who was charged with causing death by dangerous driving
Faced with this legal requirement, Sobers agreed to pay the full $500,000 balance out of pocket. In the presence of his legal representatives and family members, he compensated Solomon’s estate with the remaining amount while in court.
Sobers’ decision to compensate the family stems from an accident that occurred on April 4, 2024, when he was driving motorcar PAF 4593 along Mandela Avenue.
Investigators said he made a left turn onto Freeman Street without ensuring the way was clear, colliding with motorcycle CJ 9016, which was driven by Solomon. Both men sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for treatment.
Although Solomon was initially discharged, he was readmitted on May 28, 2024, after experiencing complications. He succumbed to his injuries on May 30, 2024.
Following his death, Sobers was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and was granted $300,000 bail during his first court appearance in June 2024. One of his bail conditions required him to report to the Kaneville Grove Police Station on the first Friday of each month.
With the full $1 million compensation now paid, the matter is expected to proceed, as the DPP determines whether the case will be withdrawn. The Magistrate has scheduled the next hearing for March 21, when statements will be presented.
