A Charlottetown resident accused of causing the deaths of two friends in a fatal crash near Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., two years ago has been cleared of all charges. Thommachen Thomas Panackal, 29, faced five charges, including impaired driving causing death and driving with excessive alcohol levels. The crash claimed the lives of Dona Shaji and Jugal Mehta.
The trial, which lasted four days in April, concluded with Justice Gregory Cann delivering the verdict. The key witness, Albin Siby, who was the only conscious occupant after the crash, played a crucial role in the case. Siby and Panackal had been close friends from India, moving to Canada together in 2018 and residing in P.E.I.
The court heard details of the events leading to the crash, including the fact that Panackal, who had a suspended license, was allegedly driving at the time. However, the judge highlighted limitations in the witness’s reliability due to fatigue and alcohol consumption. Despite acknowledging the deaths resulted from the crash and Panackal’s high blood alcohol content, the court could not definitively establish him as the driver.
Ultimately, Panackal was acquitted of all charges, with the judge emphasizing the witness’s credibility but also pointing out inconsistencies in his testimony. Panackal, who had been on bail with an ankle monitor, will now have the monitor removed. He did not provide his perspective during the trial, with his defense citing a brain injury resulting in memory loss of the events.
