Eight years after he was charged with causing the death of five people by driving dangerously along Mosquito Creek, South Oropouche, truck driver Balton Barnwell has been committed to stand trial in the High Court.
Barnwell, 76, of Fyzabad, who was previously out on $500,000 bail was yesterday granted new bail by Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington in the sum of $100,000 with clerk of the peace approval.
Barnwell’s attorney Jagdeo Singh had filed a no-case submission after the State closed its case on January 18 in the San Fernando First Magistrates Court.
State attorney Ambay Ramkhelewan then responded to the defence submissions.The State had proceeded by paper commital and had filed evidence from 13 witnesses.
Delivering his ruling yesterday, Wellington said he went through Singh’s submissions which were quite extensive and also the state’s submissions.
“I think this matter has to be ventilated at a trial,” said Wellington. Singh said he disagreed.
Asked by Wellington if he wished to say anything in answer to the charge or call any witnesses, Barnwell said: “No, sir.” He said he was reserving his defence for the High Court.
Barnwell was charged by Sgt Vijay Ramdhanie with causing death by dangerous driving to Sachin Maharaj, nine; Sachin Singh, 12; Rajkumar Deonarine, 15; Rishi Ramlogan, 22; and Rajesh Ramnarine, 37, all of South Oropouche.
They were among other people in a panel van heading to a cricket match when Barnwell's truck crashed into the van near Godineau River bridge on August 15, 2009.