Taxi driver charged over fatal Coverden accident

A taxi driver was yesterday placed on $300,000 bail by a city court after he pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Coverden resident Ann Mohammed by dangerous driving in January.

Rupert Douglas was read the charge by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that on January 30, at the Coverden public road, Douglas drove his vehicle, PTT 1892, in a dangerous manner, thereby causing the death of Mohammed.

Mohammed, 34, who worked as a bartender at the Prairie Hotel, was reportedly crossing the road to take a bus from her workplace when she was struck down.

Douglas, who was on $50,000 station bail, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $300,000 bail by the Chief Magistrate.

According to the prosecution’s facts, at about 8.20 pm on January 30, Douglas was proceeding south along the eastern side of the Coverden public road in a Toyota Fielder wagon, when swerving to avoid a collision, he came into contact with the left side of the rear portion of Toyota Hilux GJJ 6458 driven by Collin Bovell. Both drivers lost control and GJJ 6458 collided with the deceased and ended up in a yard.

Mohammed was picked up by passers-by and rushed to the Diamond Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.