A Vincentian national has been fined $8,000 after pleading guilty to four traffic offences stemming from a collision that left national cyclist Tahje Browne seriously injured and sparked widespread public outrage. According to Antigua.news, 24-year-old Kishroy Harry appeared before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel and admitted to dangerous driving, driving without the owner's consent, driving without a valid driver's licence, and driving without insurance coverage.
The collision occurred on June 20 on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway, near the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, when a Toyota Vitz driven by Harry struck Browne. Video footage of the incident was widely circulated on social media and showed Harry leaving the scene while Browne lay injured on the roadside.
Authorities intercepted Harry at V.C. Bird International Airport on June 21 as he attempted to board a flight to St. Vincent — just one day after the crash. He was subsequently remanded into custody, where he remained from June 24 to July 5.
The court described Harry's decision to flee as an aggravating factor, as reported by Antigua.news, noting that every road user bears a responsibility to remain at the scene of a collision and render assistance to anyone who is injured.
Browne sustained serious injuries and later underwent surgery. He appeared before the court on July 2 in a wheelchair and spoke about the pain and suffering he has endured since the accident. Despite his ongoing recovery, Browne recently achieved a personal milestone, graduating while still recuperating from his injuries.
Chief Magistrate Emanuel imposed a fine of $2,000 on each of the four charges, with a default sentence of two months imprisonment per offence. Harry received a one-third reduction on his sentence in recognition of his guilty plea, and the 12 days he spent on remand were deducted from the overall penalty.
In mitigation, the court took into account Harry's young age, previously clean record, and expressed remorse. Those factors, however, were weighed against the severity of Browne's injuries, Harry's flight from the scene, and his attempt to leave Antigua the day after the crash.
With sentencing now concluded, the legal proceedings against Harry are closed. Browne continues his recovery from the injuries sustained in the collision.
