A Vincentian man who fled the scene of a collision that left national cyclist Tahje Browne seriously injured has been fined $8,000 after pleading guilty to four traffic-related offences.

24-year-old Kishroy Harry appeared before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without the owner’s consent, driving without a valid driver’s licence, and driving without insurance coverage.

Harry was intercepted at the V.C. Bird International Airport on June 21 while attempting to leave Antigua for St. Vincent. His attempted departure came one day after the crash involving a Toyota Vitz motorcar he was driving and Browne on Sir Sydney Walling Highway, near the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board.

The June 20 collision was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The footage showed Harry leaving the scene while Browne remained injured on the roadside.

According to Wadadli Case Files, the court described Harry’s decision to flee the scene as an aggravating factor, noting that every road user has a responsibility to remain at the scene of a collision and assist anyone who may be injured.

Browne sustained serious injuries and later underwent surgery. He appeared before the court on July 2 in a wheelchair, where he spoke about the pain and suffering he has endured since the accident. The cyclist also recently graduated while recovering from his injuries.

Chief Magistrate Emanuel imposed a fine of $2,000 on each of the four charges, or two months imprisonment for each offence in default of payment.

Harry received a one-third reduction due to his guilty plea, and the 12 days he spent on remand between June 24 and July 5 were deducted.

In mitigation, the court considered Harry’s young age, previous good character, and remorse. However, those factors were weighed against the seriousness of Browne’s injuries, Harry’s decision to flee the scene, and his attempt to leave the jurisdiction shortly after the collision.

The sentencing concludes the court proceedings against Harry, while Browne continues his recovery from the injuries sustained in the crash.