Ronald Thistle to likely plead guilty in motorcycle death

A St. John's man Ronald Thistle, accused of impaired driving causing death in relation to a motorcycle collision in summer 2013, may plead guilty to the offence.

Thistle, 66, did not appear in St. John's Supreme Court Thursday, but was represented by his lawyer Bob Simmonds.

The Crown indicated that Thistle's case may head to speedy disposition, meaning he would enter a plea of guilty.

Thistle was charged after the truck he was driving was involved in a collision with motorcyclist Nick Coatesat Kenmount Road and Polina Road in Aug. 2013.

Coates, 27, died in hospital from injuries sustained from the crash.

• Driver's name released in connection to motorcycle death
• Motorcyclist killed by alleged drunk driver

At the time, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said Coates was driving east on Kenmount Road, when Thistle pulled him truck onto Kenmount Road from Polina Road, causing Coates to hit the back, side of the truck.

Thistle had a preliminary inquiry, beginning in September, which determined there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.

Since Coates death, friends and family have raised tens of thousands of dollars for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in part, by organizing a car show in Coates' memory.

• Nick Coates fundraiser donates $22K to MADD

Thistle has no prior convictions for impairing driving.

He is expected back in Supreme Court in late February.