Dutch national to face court next year

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:The manslaughter case involving Dutch national Joseph Hochstenbach has been set for preliminary hearing from March 18 to 20 next year, and indications are that some six witnesses will testify.

Hochstenbach is charged with manslaughter arising from an incident in which an unidentified pedestrian was killed. The accused's car allegedly struck the pedestrian after it was hit by a truck while travelling along the Montpelier main road in St James.

According to reports, on August 19, 2011, the truck was travelling towards Cambridge when on reaching an intersection, Hochstenback's car drove into the path of the truck and the vehicles collided.

After being struck, Hochstenback's car reportedly careened off the road and hit a man, who was standing by the roadside. The injured man was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he died.

CASE FILE READY

In court, earlier this week, the prosecution told Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small that its case file was ready and that some six witnesses, including four police officers and a medical expert, were ready to testify.

"There are six witnesses in the matter, so this will have to be dealt with over three days," Wong-Small told attorney-at-law Martyn Thomas, who is representing Hochstenbach.

"The 18th to the 20th of March is convenient, Your Honour," said Thomas, after consulting his calendar.

"The matter is set for preliminary examination on March 18. The warrant is further stayed for the defendant," said Wong-Small.

Hochstenbach, who was visiting the island at the time of the accident, was initially arrested, but was subsequently granted bail. His bail condition allowed him to return home to Holland until the matter is set for trial.