Sixty-seven-year-old rice farmer, Cromwell McDonald is expected to lead his defence on the charge for dangerous driving, after Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman found that a prima facie case was made out against him.

McDonald was initially charged for driving motor vehicle PHH 5516 in a dangerous manner, thus causing the death of Narine Persaud on October 28, 2017 at Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

However, on Monday the magistrate ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the charge of causing the death by dangerous driving, but that there was evidence for him to lead a defence in the case of dangerous driving. The matter is adjourned until June 20.

McDonald, meanwhile, indicated to the court that he would be calling his daughter as a key witness during his defence.

According to reports, on the day in question McDonald was driving along the Grove Public Road, when it is alleged that he swerved from a motor lorry that was in his pathway and collided with Persaud who was standing at the side of the road.
The accused is out on $400,000 bail.