Despite a tenth postponement in the case of the driver who allegedly caused an accident which led to the death of Grant Barker, his family has found solace in the fact that a court date has finally been set.
On Wednesday, 3 April, the 51-year-old man who is accused of allegedly making an illegal U-turn at the so-called “death mile” near the Brooklyn circle in July 2016 will appear in court.
Barker, from Centurion, was on his motorbike when the accident happened.
As the accused was making the U-turn in his luxury SUV, Barker crashed into him and died.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Eighth postponement in Brooklyn ‘death mile’ case
Following nine appearances at the Hatfield Magistrate’s Court, Barker’s sister, Anthea Mara said the family remains positive.
“While we are again disappointed (in the postponement; we are staying positive in light of this little bit of good news that there is now finally a date on which he has to plead,” said Mara.
“Whether he pleads guilty or not guilty, we have traction and it is now finally going somewhere.”
The case has been an emotional rollercoaster for the family, with several postponements after the accused’s defence kept requesting “further and better particulars”.
Mara said they wait with bated breath and are ready for 3 April.
Should the accused plead guilty, the matter will be disposed of on that day; should he contest the charge, the case would be postponed for a trial date to finalise the matter.
Jay Blackhawk from the BikerLivesMatter initiative which has been championing for cases to be resolved had also lamented the constant delays to “open-and shut” cases.
Speaking to Rekord, he said they were getting slow traction but would still push the justice system to ensure that justice is served.
ALSO READ: Pta family wants answers after “death mile” crash
“Bikers shall be heard. Bikers shall be seen. Bikers shall be respected on the roads,” he said.
“We are humbled to have been a part of this case and will keep on supporting the family till the day that justice is served.
“Hopefully this case will be a stepping stone to other unsolved cases that have taken too long or not even reached the courts.”
Blackhawk said they would come out in their numbers to support the family and will be expecting an outcome that will give the family closure; “an outcome that will send the message out that people must look out for bikers on the roads and help save lives by being observant and practicing good driver behaviour”.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Justice delayed for Brooklyn ‘death mile’ biker
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