‘Unlicensed’ driver charged over New Hope deaths

-owner of car accused of lying to cops

Curtis Peters, accused of being the unlicensed driver of the car which ploughed into a utility pole and a concrete fence at New Hope last week, was on Monday charged with causing the deaths of two of the passengers who were in the vehicle at the time.

In addition, Deon Wilson, the owner of the car, was also arraigned on charges, including providing false information to the police that he was driver of the car and permitting the unlicensed Peters to use his vehicle.

Both men were charged when they appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

It was alleged that on April 4, Peters, 35, of Reid’s Avenue, Alliance, being the driver of motor car PFF 204, drove in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of Denzel Thomas and Quincy David.

Peters was also charged with driving a car without being the holder of a valid driver’s licence; driving a car while not being a policy holder of insurance; and providing a police with a false declaration.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Wilson, 27, of Adam’s Road, Soesdyke, was also charged with permitting a breach of insurance, permitting unlicensed driving and providing false information to the police that he was driver of the motor vehicle, knowing same to be false.

It was alleged that on April 4, being the registered owner of motor car PFF 204, he permitted Peters to use his vehicle when he was not a policy holder with respect to a third party insurance.

Wilson also pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Wilson and Peters were represented by attorney Roger Yearwood, who made successful bail applications for them.

Peters was placed on $400,000 bail for the two charges of causing death by dangerous driving and $50,000 for the other charges. Wilson was granted bail in the sum of $50,000 for the offences he was charged with.

Both men will make there next court appearance on May 9, at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, when the matters will be called for reports and fixtures.

Police investigations found that the car, PFF 204, was being driven at “a fast rate” when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a utility pole and a concrete fence at New Hope. Thomas and David were both subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.