Sentencing hearing pending in dangerous driving case

A hearing is to be heard later this year to sentence Troy Clinton, after he was convicted of dangerous driving but cleared of causing two deaths in a 2011 crash.

Last month, Clinton, of Brereton Village No. 2, St Philip, was acquitted by a nine-member jury of causing the deaths of Akalia Natasha Weir and a female minor by driving on Lower Estate Road, St Michael, on April 21, 2011, at a speed and in a manner dangerous to the public.  

He was found guilty of the lesser offence of dangerous driving.  

Principal State Counsel Romario Straker prosecuted the case, while Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim and attorney Lesley Cargill-Straker represented Clinton.  

When the case was called before Justice Pamela Beckles on Thursday, the court was told the pre-sentence report had been received that morning.  

Attorneys will make their submissions on November 5.  

The trial heard testimony from a heavy-duty truck driver working for a construction firm who explained that he had been directed to transport an excavator, and upon reaching the location, he unhooked the trailer and unloaded the equipment. He then drove the truck to get food, only to receive a phone call later informing him that a vehicle had crashed into the side of the trailer.  

An accident reconstruction expert ruled that driver inattention was the main cause of the crash, stating that he did not believe excessive speed played a role. The witness testified that the trailer lacked reflective tape on its front and was parked on the wrong side of the road, and found a nearby streetlight provided adequate illumination.  

(JB)