Owner of car in ‘Early Bird’ death charged

The owner of the car which allegedly caused the death of a man at Broad and Ketley streets two weeks ago was yesterday placed on bail in the sum of $30,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Nyasha Williams-Hatmin at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charges of a breach of insurance and permitting an unlicensed driver.

Lorris Mussaden
Lorris Mussaden

It is alleged that on June 12, Lorris Mussaden being the registered owner of motor car PLL 732, permitted Ashley Pieters, an unlicensed driver to drive the said car which was not equipped with insurance for third party risk.

Mussaden pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him by the Magistrate. He was later placed on $15,000 bail for each charge and has to return to court on September 3.

On Monday, Pieters, 27, of Lot 33 Lyng Street, Charlestown pleaded not guilty to the charges of dangerous driving and causing death by dangerous driving when she made her initial appearance before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

She was remanded to prison until today.

Pieters denied driving motor car PLL 732 in a dangerous manner in public view on June 12 at Broad and Ketley streets and denied that because of her alleged dangerous driving she caused the death of John France called ‘Early Bird’.

Reports had said that France, 57, of Henry Street, Charlestown, died while in surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital shortly after being rushed there. He had reportedly suffered broken ribs and massive internal injuries.

Anthony Paul, 21, of Ketley Street, was also injured. His left leg was shattered and he had complained of a severe pain in the head.