On December 13, 2024, at the Charlestown High Court, His Lordship Justice Patrick Thompson, Jr. sentenced Brent Edwards of Rawlins, Nevis, to three years and six months in His Majesty’s Prison. Mr Edwards pleaded guilty to charges of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving and Failing to Immediately Stop at the Scene of an Accident. These charges stemmed from a hit-and-run incident that occurred in New River, Nevis, on July 15, 2023, leaving eighty-year-old Florence Ella Merchant of Zion, Nevis, severely injured. She succumbed to her injuries on July 17, 2023.
In addition to the prison sentence, Mr. Edwards will have his driver’s license suspended for three years upon completing his incarceration. After this period, he will be required to complete a driving course before being eligible to regain his license.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force extends its condolences to the family of Florence Ella Merchant and reiterates its commitment to road safety and enforcing laws designed to protect the public.