Frank publisher ticketed with careless driving in motorcyclist's death

UPDATED 5:42 p.m.

SYDNEY The head of a multimillion-dollar drug company will fight a $399.91 ticket for failing to drive in a careful and prudent manner in connection with the September death of a motorcyclist in Sydney.

Douglas Parker Rudderham, CEO and president of Professional Pharmacy Wholesale Service Inc., as well as the owner of Frank Magazine, said Wednesday the death of John (Jack) MacLeod MacDonald on Sept. 14 was a tragedy.

It was a tragedy and thats all I can say, said Rudderham. He referred further questions to his Halifax-based lawyer, Joel Pink.

Pink confirmed he is awaiting disclosure of evidence in the case and that Rudderham would plead not guilty to the charge.

Cape Breton Regional Police issued the summary offence ticket Oct. 26, under the Motor Vehicle Act.

MacDonald, 67, died at the scene after his motorcycle was hit from behind by a black Cadillac Escalade, which is registered to Rudderhams pharmaceutical company. The victim was making a right-hand turn from Grand Lake Road to a Kytes Hill Road subdivision where he lived.

Ironically, MacDonald was one of a group of residents who had lobbied Cape Breton Regional Municipality to address perceived problems with that portion of Grand Lake Road.

He was very strong in that committee, said a relative during a telephone interview Wednesday, asking to remain anonymous.

Its the first time I ever heard of someone hitting another car from behind and causing a death and they only get a traffic ticket, the relative said. His life was worth a lot more than $399.

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Frank publisher ticketed with careless driving in motorcyclist's death