MONTHS after a 7-year-old girl was crushed to death during an accident in Agricola, on the East Bank of Demerara, a truck driver was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday September 18, 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The man, 39-year-old Danion Welcome, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that, on July 1, 2019, at the Agricola Public Road, he drove motor lorry GWW962 in a dangerous manner to the public, causing the death of the 7-year-old Ciara Benjamin.

Police Prosecutor Mansfield noted that, on the day in question, at approximately 16:10hrs in the afternoon, Welcome was driving the motor lorry and was proceeding at a fast rate on the public road at Agricola.

He then lost control of the said vehicle and collided with the child, who was standing by the median, causing her death.

The matter was reported to the police and following an investigation, a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who advised that the man be charged for the child’s death.

In an application for bail, Attorney-at-law, James Bond, stated that since the accident, his client has been unable to work due to beatings he received from residents of the Agricola community following the incident. He requested that bail be set at reasonable amount.
Bond added that his client was advised to seek medical attention abroad for head injuries he sustained during the said beatings. He also noted that his client is not a flight risk and has been in frequent contact with the police since the accident.

The lawyer also stated that if bail is granted, his client will adhere to any conditions the court sets.

Chief Magistrate McLennan released the man on $500,000 bail, under the conditions that he lodges his passport to the court and that he reports every Friday to the officer-in-charge at the Ruimveldt Police Station until the hearing and determination of his trial.

Welcome’s driver’s licence was also suspended and he is to appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on September 23, 2019 for statements.