As the trial continued into the death of an elderly pedestrian, Police Sergeant Thunia on Friday took the witness stand in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.
Sergeant Thunia was cross-examined by Attorney-at-Law Leslie Sobers.
However, the matter was adjourned until April 10, 2018 for the caution statement to be tendered.
Accused: Cleveland Softleigh
Fifty-two-year-old Cleveland Softleigh, a grocery store owner of Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was charged with causing death by dangerous driving on July 29, 2017, at Herstelling Public Road, EBD.
It is alleged that he drove motor car PKK 3251 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Ingrid James.
Softleigh denied the charge that was filed against him and was granted bail in the sum of $1 million.
Moreover, his lawyer indicated that his client strongly denied any guilt or fault on his part.
According to the prosecution’s case, on the day in question, around 20:20h, the vehicle driven by Softleigh was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway of the East Bank Public Road when it struck the deceased, who was in the process of crossing the road from the western side.
The victim’s body, which was tossed some distance away owing to the impact, was taken in an unconscious state by the accused to the Diamond Hospital, where she died.
The driver was then arrested and taken into Police custody, where he was charged with the present offence.
At the time of her death, the then 64-year-old woman resided at Lot 1294 Section C, Block Y, Golden Grove, EBD.
