TRUCK driver, Winston Felix, 59, of Windsor Forest Railway Embankment, WCD was yesterday placed on $800,000 bail by City Magistrate Ann McLennan on a causing death by dangerous driving charge which detailed that on November 28 at Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove motor lorry GKK 8663 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Fatima Jamal.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, but the prosecution’s facts revealed that, on the day in question, Jamal was crossing on the pedestrian crossing whilst Felix was driving the said lorry. Felix admitted that he saw Jamal crossing the road, but his right front bumper collided with her.

Felix was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Rabindra Rooplall, who told the court that his client has been a driver for more than 14 years, with no prior conviction or pending matter. He requested bail for Felix, stating that his client does not possess any travel documents and does not pose a flight risk.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones, however, opposed bail on grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence and the penalty attached. He added that Felix did not give the police any address, and further noted that because Felix does not have a passport does not mean that he does not pose a flight risk.

Counsel added that, on the day of the accident, Jamal was looking in the wrong direction when she commenced crossing the three-way lane.

The prosecution’s objection was, nevertheless, overruled, and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Dylon Bess for January 6, 2015.