…on charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence
Former Guyana Chronicle photographer Delano Williams was yesterday slapped with charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Williams, 28, of 10 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, who appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge, which stated that on June 26, on Sheriff Street, he drove motor car PMM 1094 in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of Sewcharran Persaud Ugraj.
He pleaded not guilty to the other charge, which stated that on June 26, he drove the same motor car, while being under the influence of alcohol, and his blood alcohol level tested 136 percent over the legal limit.
Police Sergeant Vishnu Hunte, prosecuting, objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He added that if bail is granted, it is likely that the accused will not return to court.
The prosecutor informed the court that on the day in question, at around 04:30hrs, the accused was driving his car north along Sheriff Street, when he ran into Ugraj who was standing on the eastern side of the road.
Hunte said two breathalyzer tests were done on the accused and the first one showed 139 percent and the second showed 136 percent alcohol level.
Defence Counsel Mr. Nigel Hughes told the court that his client went to the Kitty Police station and reported the matter immediately after the accident. He said if his client was a flight risk he would not have done that.
Hughes agreed that it is indeed a tragic accident since a life was lost, but he argued that the offence is one for which bail can be granted. He said the prosecutor should not oppose bail because he did not submit adequate reasons as to object to bail.
The magistrate granted bail to the accused on the condition that he report to the Kitty Police Station every Monday and Friday and surrender his passport until the termination of the matters.
Williams was put on $300,000 bail on the causing death by dangerous driving charge and $50,000 bail on the other charge. The matters will be called again on July 20.
Initial reports stated that Sewcharran Persaud Ugraj, 35, a truck driver of 162 Mon Repos Pasture, East Coast Demerara, was killed instantly when a Toyota IST ran into him on Sheriff Street.
The car, driven by Williams, was headed north along Sheriff Street when the driver lost control and swerved into Ugraj who was standing on the opposite side of the road, near Angee’s Boutique.
According to an eyewitness, the father of two was hurled some four feet into the air.
When the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of the victim, his family and friends were gathered to reflect on his life and to mourn his tragic passing.
His grieving wife, Latisha Ugraj, explained that she last saw her husband on Saturday morning at 07:30hrs as he was leaving to go to his employer to uplift his pay cheque.