Burchell Thompson, the driver of the lorry that was involved in the accident that claimed the lives of journalist Akila Jacobs and mini-bus driver Terrence Tappin was slapped with several fines and a five-month prison term after pleading guilty on all four charges.

Thompson had previously pleaded not guilty to maintenance of a vehicle and taking and driving a motor vehicle without owner’s consent, but yesterday he changed his plea. On his first court appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennon at the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court he had pleaded guilty to having an uninsured motor vehicle and an uncertified motor vehicle.

Police in a statement last night said that Thompson was sentenced to five months imprisonment on the charge of taking and driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. He was also fined $30,000 or six months imprisonment on the charge of uninsured motor vehicle; $20,000 or six months imprisonment on the charge of uncertified motor vehicle and $20,000 or six months imprisonment on the charge of maintenance of motor vehicle.