THE relatives of a 25-year-old truck driver accused of causing the death of a policeman by dangerous driving broke down in tears as city Magistrate Ann McLennan denied him pretrial liberty. At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, David Persaud of Lots 94-97 First Hill, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was arraigned on the charge that said on Monday, July 6, 2015, on Plantation Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove motor lorry GLL 8197 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Eldon Silvanus Williams.
The charge was first laid indictably. However, after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied, the charge was taken summarily and Persaud pleaded not guilty.
Persaud’s attorney, Mr. Glenn Hanoman, in a bail application, told the court that his client lives with his parents, grandparents and siblings at the address mentioned above. Hanoman further stated that his client is part of their family’s trucking service that supplies sand across Guyana.
The defence counsel asserted that bail is primarily granted for offences of such nature and assured the court that Persaud will present himself to every court hearing. He further noted that Persaud has no prior conviction and is a decent young man.
Counsel said that the accident was described as a freak accident, and noted that a policeman is involved in the matter. Counsel also pleaded for bail to be granted.
Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Denero Jones successfully opposed bail after citing the nature and gravity of the charge. He further objected on the basis of the penalty that is attached to the offence.
Jones related that on the day in question, the truck was being driven at a rate of speed. According to the prosecutor, it was no freak accident, since Persaud allegedly hit the barrier which the policeman was handling and pinned him under the said truck.
The court was also told by the prosecutor that Williams died from a crushed head and chest.
After considering arguments by the prosecution and the defence, Magistrate McLennan remanded Persaud to prison. His driver’s licence was suspended and the matter was adjourned, to Wednesday, July 22, 2015.
The deceased who hailed from No. 53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was stationed at the Brickdam Police Station. On the day in question, Constable Williams was working along with other police ranks setting up road barriers in preparation for Hits and Jams Water World ‘Soca on the Beach’ event, when he was hit by the truck. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

By Geeta Rampersaud