The trial of former senator Curtis Richardson for allegedly causing the 2023 death of footballer Marco Warren by driving without due care and attention commenced today.
The prosecution has alleged that Richardson’s driving fell below a reasonable standard and was directly responsible for Warren’s death as he walked home from Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club in the early hours. Richardson, who sits before a six-woman, six-man jury with three alternates, denies the charges.
The case relies on circumstantial evidence, such as CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and digital maps of the area. Police collected surveillance video from multiple locations to trace Warren’s movements and identify vehicles in the vicinity. Evidence from inside the club showed Warren to have been in attendance on May 13, late Saturday night until the early hours of May 14, Mother’s Day from an unknown time until sometime after 2:40 a.m., socialising.
Traffic cameras later captured him walking along North Shore Road.
Additionally, cameras identified a black taxi trailed by a private car crossing the junction of North Shore and My Lord’s Bay Road at 3.12 a.m., headed eastward. It was revealed that the light on top of the taxi was on, indicating its “for hire” status.
Witnesses, including a DJ who was playing music during a party at the club, described Warren’s actions that night.
The DJ noted that he had confronted Warren in the club’s parking lot of the Baileys Bay Cricket Club and understood him to be awaiting a taxi. He further explained to the court that, as he was travelling east, he suggested Warren speak to another DJ named Jim Brown, whom he knew was headed west.
However, Warren was said to have waived off Brown’s offer in favour of trying to flag down a taxi as he walked towards his residence.
As He reportedly tried to find a taxi home but decided to walk after being unable to secure one, despite a friend’s offer of a ride.
Other witnesses said they saw Warren walking along the road, with one noting that he was noticeably unstable.
The prosecution, led by Carrington Mahoney, likened the circumstantial evidence to a jigsaw puzzle, emphasising that individual pieces may seem minor but together form a compelling narrative.
Victoria Greening and Archie Warner of the law firm Resolution Chambers are representing Richardson.
The trial, before Puisne Judge Alan Richards, is set to continue, with further evidence and testimony expected.
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