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Lorry driver stopped medication Lorry driver stopped medication
(about 8 hours later)
The driver of a dustbin lorry charged with killing a Somerset couple after having an epileptic fit had stopped taking his medicine, a court has heard.The driver of a dustbin lorry charged with killing a Somerset couple after having an epileptic fit had stopped taking his medicine, a court has heard.
Driver Auvryn Scarlett, 53, faces two counts of second degree murder.Driver Auvryn Scarlett, 53, faces two counts of second degree murder.
Mr Scarlett told a neurologist who treated him after the crash his drugs dulled the effects of alcohol.Mr Scarlett told a neurologist who treated him after the crash his drugs dulled the effects of alcohol.
Jackie Timmins and Andrew Hardie, from Yeovil, died instantly when the vehicle mounted the pavement in New York where they were on holiday last year.Jackie Timmins and Andrew Hardie, from Yeovil, died instantly when the vehicle mounted the pavement in New York where they were on holiday last year.
Multiple injuriesMultiple injuries
The New York Supreme Court heard evidence from neurologist Dr Anthony Paul Geraci who interviewed Mr Scarlett about his medical history and social habits, a line of questioning which he said was standard procedure.The New York Supreme Court heard evidence from neurologist Dr Anthony Paul Geraci who interviewed Mr Scarlett about his medical history and social habits, a line of questioning which he said was standard procedure.
"He mentioned that he liked to drink beer and rum on weekends but the last drink had been two nights prior to when I saw him in the emergency room," said Dr Geraci."He mentioned that he liked to drink beer and rum on weekends but the last drink had been two nights prior to when I saw him in the emergency room," said Dr Geraci.
"I was struck by his statement he made that he stopped taking Dilantin, the medication to prevent seizures, because it interfered with the way he wanted to drink on weekends," he said."I was struck by his statement he made that he stopped taking Dilantin, the medication to prevent seizures, because it interfered with the way he wanted to drink on weekends," he said.
Dr Geraci also told the court that the chances of having an epileptic fit are higher while the body is metabolising alcohol.Dr Geraci also told the court that the chances of having an epileptic fit are higher while the body is metabolising alcohol.
Defence lawyer Michael Biniakewitz pointed out that there was no record of a test carried to determine the levels of alcohol in Mr Scarlett's blood on the day of the accident.Defence lawyer Michael Biniakewitz pointed out that there was no record of a test carried to determine the levels of alcohol in Mr Scarlett's blood on the day of the accident.
The truck which killed the British couple on Valentine's Day last year
The court also heard medical evidence from Dr Jason Graham, a forensic pathologist at New York's Chief Medical Examiner's Office.The court also heard medical evidence from Dr Jason Graham, a forensic pathologist at New York's Chief Medical Examiner's Office.
Dr Graham said Miss Timmins had been decapitated in the crash and Mr Hardie suffered multiple injuries including broken ribs, which may have prevented him from breathing and caused his death.Dr Graham said Miss Timmins had been decapitated in the crash and Mr Hardie suffered multiple injuries including broken ribs, which may have prevented him from breathing and caused his death.
In court today, Mr Scarlett's former employer said they had tightened recruitment procedures since the deaths.
Head of human resources at Action Carting Environmental, Ken Levine, said a medical certificate would now have to be supplied by an approved doctor.
Mr Scarlett is also charged with one count of assault in the first degree.Mr Scarlett is also charged with one count of assault in the first degree.
The trial continues.The trial continues.