Driver on trial for death by dangerous driving

Brennon Rampersad, 28, of Siparia is facing Justice Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo in the San Fernando High Court.

In opening the case to nine jurors yesterday, senior State attorney Shabanna Shah, said it was at about 3 pm on May 12, 2007, when Rampersad was driving a car along the Siparia Erin Road. In the vehicle, Craig Harrypersad, 15, was seated in the back passenger seat and the attorney said that Birsingh Gadraj, 69, was driving a truck in the opposite direction heading towards Penal.

Rampersad was driving on the left side of the road on his way to Siparia.

Shah told the judge and jury that during the trial they will hear how the car swerved onto to the extreme right and slammed into Gadraj’s truck.

Shah said that Harrypersad suffered injuries and was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where he died the following day.

The incident was investigated and Rampersad, who was 18 at the time, was charged with causing the death of Harrypersad by dangerous driving. There was a preliminary inquiry in the Siparia Magistrates’ court and he was committed to stand trial before a judge and jury.

Truck driver Birsingh was not called to give evidence yesterday.

Waterman-Latchoo was told that he suffers from Alzheimers.

The deposition which contained his evidence given in the magistrates’ court, was read to the jury and it stated that when he saw the car “open” wide on the bend, it started to swerve. Birsingh pulled to the left and stopped.

The car continue swerving and stopped under the truck, the jury heard from disposition.

The trial continues today