Driver charged with causing death of pump attendant was allegedly under influence of drugs

Police said the driver abandoned his vehicle after the incident and fled the scene with his female passenger. Both were arrested later that day.

The woman is being investigated for consuming a controlled drug and abetting the driver.

The police said deregistered vehicles pose serious dangers to all road users because they lack insurance coverage and may not meet safety standards.

“When operated by unlicensed or underage drivers, these risks are magnified considerably,” they said.

For driving a motor vehicle without a valid licence, an offender may be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to three years, or both. The vehicle may also be forfeited.

If convicted of driving without due care and attention causing death, an offender faces a fine of up to $10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.

For driving under the influence of drugs, an offender can be fined between $2,000 and $10,000, jailed for up to a year, or both. Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

Those convicted of driving a deregistered vehicle can be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

Png’s case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on Aug 28.