'Drunk' driver blames teens who 'ran into vehicle' for accident

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FILE PICTURE

Published Jul 19, 2017

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Port Elizabeth - A 27-year-old driver, who allegedly knocked down two teenage school girls, leaving one dead and the other with critical injuries, allegedly while under the influence of alcohol, claimed that the children ran into the vehicle and that the incident was "nothing more than a tragic accident". 

William Taute, was back in the Port Elizabeth Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where his trial got underway. Dressed in a navy suit, he was accompanied to court by an entourage of family members.

Taute faces charges which include culpable homicide and driving under the influence of liquor. 

He is being represented by well known legal pair defence attorney Alwyn Griebenow and Advocate Terry Price SC.

Following the incident in February last year, Jaydene Lucas, 16, was taken to Livingstone Hospital where she was immediately put on life support, the machines were subsequently switched off and she died. Her friend, Lorren Abrahams, 20, sustained critical injuries at the time.

The girls were hit in Humerail by a VW Amarok while walking to the Navy Sea Cadets training base near Kings Beach.

In his plea explanation handed in before court, Taute explained his version as to why he did not stop after the accident.

"As I approached the robot, I heard a loud bump to my left, but did not see anything. The bump, whatever it was, did not knock my vehicle off course in anyway. I was at that point not aware that there had been any damages to my vehicle [and] we continued in the direction of Summerstrand," Taute said.

Taute claimed that he could not stop after hearing the bump because it was a very busy road and there were a number of vehicles behind him.

Taute said that his heart bled for the families and he had taken numerous steps to apologise to them.

"I wish to emphasise and point out that I did not drive into anyone, but these children ran into the vehicle. I therefore emphatically deny that I was the cause through negligence of the death of the young lady that was tragically killed, nor of the young lady that was injured." 

Taute said that at the time of the accident he was not aware that the vehicle had collided with people.

"This was nothing more than a tragic accident which, because of its ultimate and tragic devastating result I will regret for the rest of my life. It will haunt me for the rest of my days." his plea explanation read.

He also denied the accuracy of the blood alcohol report and claimed that it was taken outside the two hour period, his lawyers are expected to point out a "number of other faults with the test".

"Even if the allegation that my blood was drawn at 8:56pm is correct, that would make it at least 11 minutes out of the two hour period," Taute said.

Although, Taute told a police officer at the scene he had "a drink" he denied the allegation that his eyes were reddish and his speech abnormal.

The plea explanation further stated that Taute was taken to the Humewood police station where he was watched by a police lady who "tried to bully" him into making admissions.

Taute claimed  that at the time of the incident he was driving between 55km and 60km per hour and not recklessly in anyway.

"I further wish to point out that the robot was green for me and there is evidence on record from State witnesses that the robot was green for me," Taute said.

The trial continues on Thursday.

African News Agency

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