A Campbell man namely Andy Esprit has pleaded not guilty to the charge of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving of Kurt Matthew, a former chief engineer at the State-owned DBS radio.
Matthew, 48, succumbed to injuries sustained caused by a motor vehicle accident on the E.O Leblanc Highway in Canefield at around 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2017. According to the police, motor vehicle registration number HE213, driven by Esprit, which was traveling in a northerly direction hit Matthew whilst he was boarding another vehicle he had in his custody.
He sustained multiple injuries and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of the then Princess Margaret Hospital; however, hours later, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
Following the tragic incident, three years later Esprit was charged and following the Preliminary Inquiry at the Magistrate’s Court he was committed for trial at the High Court. At today’s arraignment, before High Court Judge, Justice Colin Williams, succeeding the indictment being read to the accused, Esprit pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Subsequently, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Sherma Dalrymple requested an adjournment in the matter as she informed the Court that, following discussions with the family of the deceased Kurt Matthew, the State intends to pursue a specific course of action in this case.
The Court granted the continuation of Esprit’s bail with the same condition and the matter was adjourned to January 22, 2024. The accused is represented by attorney-at-law Wayne Norde.
Meanwhile, Jack Joseph of Pottersville has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder of Wayne Maxwell. Maxwell succumbed to a gunshot wound on June 3, 2012, sustained at the former Krazy Koconuts club.
Joseph appeared in Court today indicted for the said offense represented by attorney Dawn Yearwood Stewart. The defense lawyer informed the Court of her intent to make a certain application in respect of the matter prior to the set date for trial March 6, 2024.
The Court also granted the continuation of his bail with minor alterations to his reporting conditions.
January 2024 matters being hear for incidents which occurred in November 2017 and June, 2012. Wow. Good luck to the prosecution in these matters. I’m sure witnesses remember it like it was yesterday. The investigating officers, some of whom may have even since left the force, the doctors who pronounced the victims dead at the time will surely be available to testify. Smh. I would surely plead not guilty after all those years. Let me see the prosecution prove their case. In another country perhaps. But Dominica
You don’t admit your wrong doings on earth but God knows the truth and he will judge you on judgement day. You also can’t hide from your crimes forever even if you leave the country. God knows where you are. How you expect to repent of your sins if you don’t admit your wrongdoings. How is God going to forgive you?
DNO….can you shed some light on why these cases are only now finding themselves before the courts? Were these cold cases, that took that long to investigate?
Just like the American justice system, it takes years before criminal cases go to court. How about that? It takes years before they are executed. How about that? The wheels of justice are just as slow as the wheels of my car. How about that?