Constable pleads guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in St Mary

PORT MARIA, ST MARY:

Constable Othroy Stewart pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in the St Mary Parish Court on Thursday, following a fatal accident in 2022 that killed 66-year-old Linval Williams.

Stewart, who was assigned to the police commissioner’s office, was the driver of the vehicle involved in a crash on August 13, 2022.

On that morning, Williams, a farmer from Windsor Castle, St Mary, was loading produce into the trunk of his car outside his home. The routine task was abruptly interrupted when Stewart’s car, traveling at high speed, crashed head-on into Williams’ parked vehicle. The force of the collision sent Williams through the trunk of his car and left him severely injured. His car was also pushed across the road.

Williams was left paralysed from the chest down and spent seven days in the hospital before succumbing to his injuries. His son, Craig Williams, determinedly fought for justice in the wake of his father’s death. Despite facing numerous delays and legal hurdles, Craig persisted in his efforts, refusing to give up on holding Stewart accountable.

In December last year, The Sunday Gleaner brought the case to public attention.

After nearly a year of investigation, the director of public prosecutions ruled in January 2024 that Stewart should face charges. Stewart was arrested on January 25 and charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The case, which began in March, drew attention both locally and nationally.

Throughout the proceedings, Craig stood firm in his pursuit of justice, often speaking out about the emotional toll the case had taken on his family.

On Thursday, Stewart entered a guilty plea, marking a significant moment in the legal battle. Sentencing is scheduled for December 19.

gareth.davis@gleanerjm.com