83yr old man charged after 4yr olds death

The 83 year old man, who allegedly caused the death of a four year old girl in a road accident in Suva on Sunday, appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court earlier this afternoon.

William Walsh Apted has been charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death and three counts of occasioning grievous bodily harm.

The four year old girl was walking home with her family members after a church service along Varani Street in Raiwaqa when a vehicle driven by William Apted allegedly hit the family of four from the side of the road.

According to Police, the car also hit another car that was parked on the side of the road.

Divisional Prosecuting Officer, Mohammed Yunus requested for the plea to be deferred in court today.

Yunus did not object to bail but asked for serious conditions.

Apted’s lawyer, Nick Barnes said that his client was admitted in hospital on Sunday evening and discharged this morning due to medical reasons.

Magistrate Chaitanya Latchman released William Apted on $1,000 bail and his surety is Jon Apted.

The 83 year old has to surrender his passport and should not interfere with the witnesses.

The case has been adjourned to the 4th of next month.

Meanwhile the parents of the victim and her six year old sister are currently admitted at the CWM hospital.

They are in stable condition.

 
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Praneeta Prakash