By Latrishka Thomas
A magistrate has denied a ‘no case’ submission in the case of Karim Edwards, who stands accused of dangerous driving in an incident that resulted in the death of a medical student and left another with life-altering injuries.
The incident occurred on October 23, 2022, when Edwards’ vehicle allegedly struck Kenneth Mathew, 21, and Priyanjana Das, 19, as they crossed Friars Hill Road.
Mathew succumbed to severe brain trauma just over a week after the collision. Das survived but suffered significant injuries, including the loss of her right arm, fractures to her left arm, and pelvic injuries.
Defence attorney Wendel Alexander had filed a written no case submission, arguing that the case was “as empty as a calabash” and should be dismissed due to lack of evidence. Alexander described the scene as a dark road with two darkly clothed, intoxicated individuals crossing it.
However, prosecutor Paulio Williams countered, asserting that all necessary elements for the case had been established.
Williams argued that “it is obvious that he was driving dangerously”.
“He was not able to see properly due to poor lighting, yet driving above the speed limit. He did not stop and described the impact as simply feeling a knock, despite the extensive damage to his vehicle and the injuries to both victims,” he expounded.
The prosecution maintained that Edwards’ driving “fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver,” suggesting that a competent driver would have recognised the danger of driving at a high speed in such dark conditions.
Magistrate Dexter Wason ruled in favour of the prosecution, stating that while the “issues raised [by the defence] are pertinent to a trial,” they are more appropriate for the High Court.
“A prima facie case was made out,” he concluded before adjourning the matter until October 23 to complete the committal proceedings.
This ruling means the case will proceed, bringing Edwards, an accountant, one step closer to potentially facing trial.
