Verdict deferred for Linden driver accused of policeman’s death

A Linden taxi driver who fatally struck down a police rank while that rank was on duty on the East Bank Demerara Highway last April will know his fate on Thursday morning, when Magistrate Leron Daly dispenses her ruling on the matter.

Ron Cole, 40, of Blueberry Hill, Linden was previously charged with causing the death of Nkosi La Fleur on April 11, 2016 on the Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, when he drove a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public. According to police facts, the deceased was stationed at the Providence Police Station at the time, and was directing traffic on East Bank Demerara highway at Eccles. La Fleur reportedly stepped backwards to allow a vehicle to pass when he was struck from behind by the motor vehicle being driven by the accused.

The injured policeman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was treated and sent away, but was subsequently rushed there again a few days later, and succumbed there to his injuries. Post-mortem results revealed that La Fleur died of haemorrhage.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan had initially remanded the accused Cole to prison, but he was later released on $500,000 bail.

Cole will return to court on March 24, when Magistrate Daly will hand down her ruling.