Last Updated on January 20, 2024, 7:26 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Ryan Powell of Fountain Village, Nevis, was sentenced to serve a six-month prison time at His Majesty’s Prison on Thursday, January 18, 2024, after Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.
Powell was the driver of motor jeep PA 9681, which overturned on the Island Main Road at Vaughan’s Estate, leading to the death of his cousin, 21-year-old Natalya “Tav” Newton Roberts of Cherry Garden, Nevis.
An Autopsy Report revealed that she died from a severe traumatic head injury just after the incident.
After a year and six months since the tragic accident, Powell will serve a six-month prison sentence, followed by a 17-month suspended driver’s license.
Powell will also be urged to attend driver’s sessions to have his license reinstated
His Lordship Justice Patrick Thompson Jr handed down the sentence at the High Court in Charlestown.
Additionally, On the January 17 edition of InFocus, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Adlai Smith noted that his office and the court have recommended that the penalty be reviewed.
“We think that should be increased because it is too low, especially considering it is a death of a life. “I’ve seen some less than stellar driving on the roads here in St. Kitts, if I may put it that way, and I think if we are not careful, we may have more road fatalities as a result.” added the DPP
The DPP added that a similar review is necessary for the offence of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. The maximum penalty for a court conviction is five years.
“It’s on the cards,” stated DPP Smith, noting that the Attorney General has set July as his deadline for implementing these and other recommendations as part of the criminal justice reform in St. Kitts and Nevis
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
