The teen who was involved in the accident at the Alpha Children’s Home on Saturday last was charged with manslaughter at the Reliance Magistrate Court yesterday.
The 16-year-old was represented by Attorney Sasha Roberts, who told the court that while a life was lost, it was not her client’s intent to commit the offence.
Bail was set at $350,000 by Magistrate Marisa Mittelholzer. The bail was paid.
He will next appear in court on February 21, for reports.
The caretaker, who along with her husband founded the Alpha Children’s Home some 25 years ago, was present in court yesterday, lending her support to the teen.
On Saturday last around 2 pm, the teen entered a car which was parked in the compound with its keys in the ignition. According to information gathered, instead of applying brakes, the teen pressed the accelerator, which resulted in the car speeding forward and hitting a stump wall.
The wall fell on Neena Blair, an 8-year-old resident of the home, severely injuring her.
She was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries early Christmas morning.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Blair died from brain haemorrhage.
She leaves to mourn her mother and twelve siblings.
