| “I have considered your lawyer’s stirring plea in mitigation. I have also considered that a life was lost, the prevalence of the offence and the seriousness of the offence and the need to preserve our most precious resource-human beings.“I have also taken into account the need to observe road safety. With this being said, you are hereby sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.” said Magistrate Judy Latchman to Kevin Hope, yesterday, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court.Hope, 30, of Lot 12 Lamaha Springs, Georgetown, was found guilty on Friday last for causing the death of Patrice Welcome, a 40-year-old man due to reckless driving.On November 15, 2011, on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, the defendant drove minibus BMM9334 in a manner dangerous to the public and killed Welcome who was a resident of Lot 1270 Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.When Hope was first charged, he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry on November 17, 2011. He was granted $200,000 bail and his matter was then transferred to the court of Magistrate Judy Latchman where it engaged the court’s attention for some time.According to Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt, about 10:00 hrs on November 15, 2011, Hope drove his minibus east along the northern side of the Aubrey Barker Road. In his attempt to overtake two cars he collided with motorcycle CJ197 which was proceeding west along the southern side of the road.Due to the collision, the motorcyclist fell on the road’s surface where he received severe injuries and died. The defendant was subsequently arrested and charged.Representing the defendant yesterday was Attorney at Law, Omeyana Hamilton who reiterated before her client’s sentencing that Hope does not have any prior convictions.Hope was then asked by Magistrate Latchman if he wishes to submit any comments before hearing the court’s ruling but he retorted, “No your worship.”Prosecutor Hunt indicated to the court room that none of Hope’s family members was present at the time and he was also unable to make contact with any of his relatives. |
