Driver accused of causing teen’s death blames mouthwash for breathalyser test result
Lennox De Nobrega, the driver charged with causing the death of a teenager by dangerous driving, yesterday stated that although a breathalyser test found alcohol on his breath after the accident, it was due to mouthwash he had used earlier.
The prosecution yesterday closed its case against De Nobrega after presenting five witnesses and he subsequently led his defence through sworn testimony after Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan found that a prima facie case had been made out against him.
The charge against De Nobrega states that on October 14th, he drove motor vehicle PRR 7624 on Mandela Avenue in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 17-year-old Jhamallie Niles. After the prosecution closed its case, De Nobrega’s attorney, Dexter Todd, argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution only pointed to negligence and not negligence of his client but that of the deceased.
The prosecutor, in response, stated that from the evidence of one of the witnesses, it was clear how the accident occurred. It was stated that the accused was driving his car at a fast rate and the damage seen on the vehicle indicates the force with which the car came in contact with the deceased.
Chief Magistrate McLennan subsequently stated that based on the evidence presented by the prosecution’s witnesses, a prima facie case had been made out against him.
De Nobrega then decided to go into the