A man acquitted of causing the deaths of Akalia Natasha Weir and a female minor by dangerous driving, but convicted of dangerous driving, will return to court for sentencing submissions on February 13, 2027.
Troy Emerson Clinton was freed by a 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, however, found guilty of dangerous driving.
When the resident of Brereton Village No 2, St Philip, reappeared before Justice Pamela Beckles, the No.5 Supreme Court heard that his attorney, Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim, was engaged in another case.
Justice Beckles adjourned the case until February 13.
Principal State Counsel Romario Straker and Senior State Counsel Maya Kellman prosecuted the case.
During the trial, the court heard from a heavy-duty truck driver employed by a construction company who said he had been instructed to move an excavator. He arrived in the area, unhooked the trailer, removed the excavator and drove the truck to get something to eat before returning. He later received a call that “a vehicle run into the side of the trailer”.
An accident reconstruction expert said the trailer was parked on the wrong side of the road and had no reflective tape on its front, but testified that there was adequate lighting from a nearby streetlight. Stating that he did not believe excessive speed was a factor, the witness concluded that driver inattention was the primary cause of the collision.
Clinton testified that as he was heading towards the Roberts Manufacturing plant, a vehicle approached with very bright lights on.
“When the vehicle got alongside of me, I turned on my bright lights, and I just saw this object in front of me. I pulled to the right side of the road, trying to avoid what was in front of me,” he said.
(JB)
