Minibus driver jailed for 56 months on causing death charge

City Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday jailed route 42 minibus driver Travis David, 28, of Caesar Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, for 56 months after finding him guilty of causing the death of female passenger Lynette Joseph by dangerous driving.
It is alleged that on January 6, 2016, at Little Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara, David drove minibus BSS 9471 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of the security guard who had been attached to National Hardware Limited.
The prosecution’s case was that, at about 17:45 hours on the day in question, the minibus was proceeding north along the western carriageway of the Little Diamond Public Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle as he was about to make a turn. The vehicle reportedly skidded for about 26 feet before slamming into a lamp post, causing the now deceased Joseph, who was seated in the third seat behind the driver, to sustain serious injuries, and seven other persons to be injured in the accident. Joseph was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
In handing down her ruling on the matter, Magistrate Latchman said the prosecution’s evidence had established that David was driving at an “extraordinary” rate of speed, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
She added that the driving skills of the accused had fallen way below those of a competent driver, and he had neglected to exercise care, caution, consideration and courtesy while using the roadway.
Having considered all the evidence, Magistrate Latchman said, her conclusion was that the injuries Joseph had received were consistent with a motor vehicle accident, in accordance with the testimony of Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh. As such, she found David guilty as charged.