The mini-bus driver charged with hitting down and dumping the body of an elderly man last year appeared yesterday on another charge stemming from the same incident and was granted an additional $20,000 bail.
Dexter King, called ‘Pumpkin’ of Festival City, appeared in Court Seven before Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle and pleaded not guilty to breach of insurance.
It is alleged that on December 6 on Homestretch Avenue he drove mini-bus BKK 570 when the insurance for third party risk was not in force. He first pleaded guilty to the charge but after his attorney Basil Williams arrived he asked that the plea be changed to not guilty. He requested that the not guilty plea remain until they can resolve the major issues. The matter was originally filed on January 29 and came up on February 6 when King had already left the court.
His attorney indicated to the court that the relatives of the elderly man and King are supposed to be in discussion to settle the matter.
A relative of the elderly man who was in court stated that she was waiting for her elder brother to come into the country so that they can discuss whether they will resolve the matter.
The file would have to go to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) first for advice. The case continues on April 5 when it may be decided whether it will be resolved or go to trial.
King was first charged with manslaughter, being an unlicensed driver, failing to report an accident and failing to render assistance to an accident victim. It is alleged that on December 6 and 7 he drove his mini-bus and killed 70-year-old Gene Denny. He did not report the accident and allegedly dumped Denny’s body. King was subsequently granted substantial bail after he had been remanded. He had to post an additional $20,000 yesterday.
He will return to court on April 5
