Bus Driver Arraigned for Manslaughter After Deadly RTA in Hattieville

Franco Audinett

Almost a month ago, a cyclist of the Hattieville area was crushed by a bus. Today, thirty-four year old Hattieville resident and bus driver, Franco Audinett was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser.  He was read three traffic offenses: manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, and drove motor vehicle without due care and attention. It is alleged that Audinett was the driver of a Blue Bird Passenger bus which hit Jason Robinson on the night of March eighteenth 2016 between miles sixteen and seventeen on the George Price Highway. Robinson was heading to the city when Audinett allegedly ran over him.  Robinson’s body was mangled and his bicycle was crushed beneath the bus.  He died on the spot.  Police say Audinett claims he did not see Robinson until he was about five feet in front of him. He swerved, but could not avoid hitting Robinson. There was no objection to bail being offered to Audinett and Fraser offered him bail in the sum of five thousand dollars.  Audinett is due back in Court on June tenth, 2016.