The 84-year-old man who was struck down on Thursday evening by a motorcycle remains a patient of the Georgetown Public Hospital with the motorcyclist responsible just a few beds away from him.
Charles McPherson, of Ketley Street, Charlestown, was struck down around 7 pm by the motorcyclist Ron Hackette on Saffon Street, Charlestown.
Still visibly battered, McPherson reiterated that his leg is now broken as a result of the accident while Hackette indicated that he suffered injuries to his left arm and leg and some internal swelling in the chest.
From his hospital bed, 34-year-old Hackette recalled being blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle as he rode along Saffon Street. He said that he only saw “a shadow” coming out of the light, adding that it was too late to swerve away.
Hackette related that after colliding with the elderly man, he lost consciousness and could not recall anything further.
McPherson had previously told this newspaper that he has absolutely no memory of the accident but only leaving his home to walk the short distance to the market where he was intending to meet a friend.
This friend, who was visiting McPherson at the Male Surgical Ward yesterday, disclosed to this newspaper that the accident occurred only a short distance from his stall. He noted that the motorcycle even slammed into his stall leaving both victims in an unconscious state on the roadway.
McPherson’s daughter-in-law, Shirley, said that the doctor had indicated that the man would need to spend about three weeks in the hospital before he could be discharged. This now, she said, has raised concern among family members as she explained that the old man resides alone and pays his own rent.
As a result of his accident, she stated, he would be unable to do so and is asking for some sort of compensation from Hackette.
Though staying in the same ward, McPherson’s relatives had not met the motorcyclist nor were they aware of his name. Shirley explained that after becoming aware that it was Hackette in the accident, she spoke to a relative of his who would regularly visit but came to no agreement.
No report of the matter was made to the police.
