Dangerous driver who struck motorcycle cop to pay fine

AYOUNG MAN who was driving dangerously and knocked a Corporal of police off his motorbike, must pay $1200 for this offence.

This amount, is to be paid by July 30, and if he defaults on the payment, 27-year-old Largo Height resident Akim Archibald, will have to spend 12 weeks in prison. Further, for carrying excess passengers than he is allowed, he will pay $350 by April 30, or spend three weeks in prison.

While Archibald first maintained his innocence, footage of the accident was acquired and this was presented in the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday, April 7 at his trial. Following this, the young man decided to change his plea to ‘Guilty’.

The Corporal of police, Chet Solomon, had duties as an outrider for Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves. However, on August 11, 2020, at 7:45pm, he was not travelling as an outrider when he got into the accident. Apparently, after leaving the Financial complex, he travelled on his motorbike up Grenville Street, heading out of Kingtown to Montrose. Archibald was driving a Noah van in the opposite direction, but began to turn into McCoy street. While doing so, Archibald crossed the officer’s lane with speed, and not having seen him, he hit the Corporal’s bike. The officer apparently

was thrown into the air at the impact, and dropped onto the sidewalk. His kneecap bruised, his head hit, and his hand bruised, the officer informed, he was taken to the hospital by a vehicle. He explained that he lost consciousness for some seconds.

The motorbike was apparently written off.

Archibald was charged for driving in a manner dangerous to the public and travelling with excess passengers because he was licensed to carry seven, but it was said that there were 11 persons on board the vehicle.

The Corporal said he was forced to take prolonged sick leave, extending beyond a month, and that he still feels pain in his leg. At sentencing, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, told the young man that he was very, very lucky the outcome wasn’t worse, and that the officer was wearing a helmet.

Steps to take civil action in the matter are said to have begun.