Skip to main content

A bouquet of flowers marks the spot on King Street in Toronto May 15, 2012 near where skateboarder Ralph Bissonnette was struck and killed Monday. A taxi driver has been charged with second-degree murder.Moe Doiron/The Globe and Mail

The taxi driver charged with second-degree murder in the fatal collision with a skateboarder on Toronto's King Street East was released Thursday on $200,000 bail.

In front of a well-attended hearing, Superior Court Justice Ian Nordheimer released Adib Ibrahim under strict conditions that he not leave his home unless accompanied by his wife, sister or either of his two cousins.

Ralph Bissonnette, 28, was riding a long skateboard on King Street East near Jarvis Street when he was struck by a taxi on May 14. He was later pronounced dead at St. Michael's Hospital.

Under the terms of his release, Mr. Ibrahim, an Ethiopian-born father of three, had to surrender his passport and his personal and taxi driving licences. Mr. Ibrahim has driven taxis for 15 years.

According to witnesses statements, Mr. Bissonnette exchanged words with a driver before a taxi veered in front of the long-boarder's path.

Defence lawyer Barry Fox maintains that this wasn't a case of road rage.

Mr. Ibrahim, 43, is scheduled to appear in court again on May 29.

Interact with The Globe