Nassau, BAHAMAS- A killer driver who caused a car crash that left two children orphaned on Christmas Day has been fined just $20,000.
Alexander Butler, 34, pleaded guilty to killing in the course of dangerous driving when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans for his trial.
On December 25, 2020, Butler was overtaking another car on West Bay Street when he crashed into the Nissan March Brent and Eulona Johnson were traveling in.
The Johnsons, the owners of the Sweet Life gelato shop in the Mall at Marathon, died at the scene.
Their two daughters were also injured in the crash.
Magistrate Vogt-Evans fined Butler $10,000 or one year in prison for each death. She said the sentences would run consecutively.
She also revoked Butler’s driver’s license for five years.
The magistrate said Butler deserved prison time for the fatal crash, but she had imposed the maximum fines allowed under the law.
Magistrate Vogt-Evans called on Parliament to increase the penalties for killing in the course of dangerous driving.
The fines imposed were paid to the state.
Since Butler was driving without third party insurance, the Johnsons’ could not get any compensation for the accident.
He was fined $250 last year for driving without insurance coverage.
Butler broke down in tears as he apologized to his victims’ family.
Butler paid $8,000 of his fine. He will pay the balance in monthly installments of $1,500.
