A CORONER’S inquest is expected to commence into the death of 22-year-old Collin Bourne, who was killed during an accident at Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara, on March 31, 2019.

An inquest is a judicial inquiry in common law jurisdictions, and is held to determine the cause of a person’s death. In Guyana, a sitting magistrate who acts as the coroner empanels a jury, after which the inquest is conducted.

Magistrate Annette Singh will preside over the inquest at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court with a five-member jury to determine whether anyone was criminally responsible for Bourne’s death.

A total of 12 witnesses are expected to be called. The hearing is expected to commence on November 24, 2020.
The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Bourne, a motorcyclist of Timehri, was killed on the spot when he collided with a minibus and then struck down by another vehicle on the Soesdyke Public Road.

Police Headquarters had reported that, on the day in question, around 22:15hrs, Bourne was riding motorcycle CH 6758 in a southern direction and attempted to overtake minibus BVV 5802 when he collided with another minibus PHH 3467, which was heading in the opposite direction.
As a result of the impact, Bourne fell into the path of minibus BVV 5802 and was struck down. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Both drivers were arrested; they were breathalysed and the driver of PHH 3467 was found above the legal limit, Police headquarters revealed.