BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 5th June 2019) – The driver accused of causing the 2017 death of 45-year-old pedestrian Pastor Mark Hodge who hailed from the community of Sandy Point, is currently out on bail after being charged.
Police disclosed today that Christopher True of Frigate Bay, who was charged for the offence of Causing the Death of Another Person, was committed to stand trial in September after his appearance at the Magistrate Court on Thursday 23rd May.
Reportedly, True was bailed with conditions in the sum of $500,000 with $100,000 of the overall sum as cash surety.
The conditions are that: (1): He is to report to Frigate Bay Police station every Sunday between 6:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m., (2) Surrender all travel documents forthwith, (3) Should not leave the Jurisdiction unless the matter disposed of or dispensed with, (4) Refrain from driving any motor vehicles in the Federation, and (5) Any breach of these conditions will result in revocation of bail.
On Saturday 18th November 2017, Hodge was fatally injured following a 3-vehicle crash outside of an event venue for a gospel festival he had attended.
Police say that at about 1:40 AM that traffic accident occurred along Wellington Road in the vicinity of Flow’s Grounds.
The collision involved Hodge and his motor van P9838 as well as motor jeep PA5711 owned by Scenic Railway but was driven by Christopher True and motor jeep PB496 owned by Neysa Baker-Tyson of Old Road.
According to police, circumstances are that PB496 and P9838 were parked on the western side slightly on the road facing south.
Reportedly, the pedestrian was standing next to his motor van (P9838) while PA5711 was travelling north along Wellington Road. When PA5711 reached the vicinity of Flow’s grounds, the vehicle collided with Hodge and the front bumper of P9838, which then caused the rear bumper to collide with the front bumper of PB496.
Hodge was transported to the Joseph N. France (JNF) Hospital by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), but succumb to his injuries.
Credible information indicated that he was having car trouble and was trying to deal with such at the time of the accident.
Officers on the scene recorded measurements, statements and damages.
True was then taken into police custody to assist with investigations.