Prosecution for Manslaughter by Negligence: Benefit of Doubt to Driver

The accident occurred on June 1, 2010, at the roundabout ABC, Military Road, Roche-Bois. Aftab Ally Nauthoo driving a van when he hit a motorcyclist, Louis Maxime Li Yan. The victim passed away as a result of his injuries. At his trial, Aftab Ally Nauthoo pleaded not guilty. It was defended by Mr. Ghanshyam Soni Bhanji. The continuation was ensured by Me Bhamini Prayag-Rajcoomar.

A witness, Corporal Dooky, said he was on the other side of the road when the tragedy occurred. However, it did not record deposition. He just made an entry in the Occurrence Book. Court's version is that the victim Louis Maxime Li Yan was a motorcycle when he hit the road Abattoir.

According to the witness, Aftab Nauthoo Ally, who was driving a van, do not stop at the roundabout. He said he saw the impact and contacted colleagues. Then he brought the victim in the van of Aftab Ally Nauthoo that led to the hospital Jeetoo. Corporal however, denied that the accident occurred when the motorcyclist has doubled the van. He did, however, have told the Court how quickly rolled Aftab Ally Nauthoo. The victim's son, Li Yan told the Court qu'Aftab Ally Nauthoo had apologized after the death of his father and that he had admitted his fault in his presence and the presence of the police.

Aftab Ally Nauthoo explained in his testimony that the accident occurred after the victim had doubled to the right. He said he applied the brakes of his vehicle. He added that the victim landed on the hood of his van and had lost his helmet.

Analyzing the various witnesses, the Court held that it could consider the testimony of Corporal Dooky, as it has no recorded evidence. On confessions Aftab Ally Nauthoo the son of the victim, the Court questioned why he did not mention this in his testimony.

For lack of evidence, the Court granted the benefit of the doubt Aftab Ally Nauthoo.