Female taxi driver on $200,000 bail over causing death charge

The woman charged with causing the death of 62-year–old East Ruimveldt resident Eustace Rodrigues by dangerous driving was yesterday placed on $200,000 bail after she appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The allegation is that on July 17 at D’Urban and John streets Nola Hohenkirk drove motorcar HB 9588 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Rodrigues.

The woman pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her. In presenting the facts Police Prosecutor Lionel Harvey told the court that on the day in question the defendant was driving the car bearing registration number HB 9588 east along the northern side of D’Urban Street.

The car came into contact with the pedal cyclist who was travelling south.
Harvey further said that the man sustained injuries about his body and he was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The matter was reported to the Brickdam Police Station and following investigations the defendant was arrested and charged, he concluded.

Attorney Nigel Hughes who gave the address of the accused as Lot 86 Pere Street, Kitty, made an application for bail on the grounds that the woman is the operator of the North Ruimveldt Canteen and if the court so desires she is also willing to lodge her passport.
The acting chief magistrate granted the bail application and ordered that the defendant lodge her passport at the police station.

The matter was transferred to Court Two for report and fixture and after appearing before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell the matter was adjourned until October 1 when the defendant will make another court appearance.

On Sunday July 17, Rodrigues was cycling on his way to the Bourda Market around 6.45 am when he collided with a taxi, bearing registration number HB 9588, which was being driven by a female. The man sustained extensive injuries about his body.