DANIEL Melbourne, the driver who is accused of causing the death of Reonol Williams and then dumping his body in a weed-filled trench, appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, on Friday, where six charges were read against him.

The matter was heard by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Melbourne, a 53-year-old musician of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), pleaded not guilty to: causing death by dangerous driving, failure to report an accident, failure to render assistance after an accident, failure to produce vehicle for examination, giving false information to the police, and attempting to obstruct the course of justice.

The accident occurred on May 23, 2022, at Enmore Public Road, ECD, while Melbourne allegedly was driving motorcar PAB 2552.

He had reportedly picked up the injured man to take him to the hospital but relatives could not find him. The victim’s decomposing remains were found in a trench at Coldingen, ECD, earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Williams’ sister, Sylvie, and other relatives were in court as they listened keenly to the proceedings. Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva appeared in the interest of Williams’ family.

Police Prosecutor David Goodridge said that, according to the facts of the case, on the day in question, at about 00:20 hours, Melbourne was the driver of motorcar PAB 2552, and was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the Enmore Public Road at a fast rate.

He told the court that it is alleged that Williams exited a motor car, which was stationary on the said road, and Melbourne’s car collided with him.

Williams was thrown onto the road surface. The accused reportedly picked up Williams in an unconscious state and placed him into his motorcar under the pretext of taking him to the hospital for medical attention.

Goodridge told the court that Melbourne, however, stopped at Coldingen, ECD, and dumped Williams’ body in a trench. The driver then allegedly drove to South Haslington Access Road and abandoned his vehicle.

The court heard that, after receiving word of the accident, Williams’ relatives checked the hospitals on the East Coast of Demerara and in Georgetown, but could find no trace of him. As a result, they made a report to the police and Melbourne was arrested.

Melbourne allegedly told investigators that he was not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident. He was released on station bail.

Relatives, not satisfied with how the matter was being handled, started a media campaign during which they pleaded with members of the public to come forward with any information that could lead them to their missing relative.

The case was later handed over to investigators from the Major Crimes Department and on June 7, Melbourne was re-arrested.

Goodridge said that, based on information, Melbourne allegedly provided to investigators, Williams’ decomposing body was found face down in the trench at Coldingen.

Williams’ family positively identified the body and a post-mortem examination revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries due to a motor vehicle accident.

The prosecutor strongly objected to Melbourne being released on bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the fact that a life was lost. He also emphasised that, based on his information, Melbourne lied to the police and is a flight risk.

However, Melbourne’s attorney, Patrice Henry asked the court for his client to be released on reasonable bail.

According to Henry, since the discovery of the “suspected victim’s body”, his client has cooperated with the police. He also disclosed that the police are still awaiting the DNA results for the samples taken from the body.

After listening to both sides, Magistrate Azore ruled in favour of Goodridge and remanded Melbourne to prison until July 22.

Following the court hearing, Williams’ sister, Sylvie, spoke with the media. She said: “I do not have this hate for anybody. So, I also feel it for him (Melbourne). He is a human. It was the work of the devil. It is not my place to condemn him because he is a human being. What I condemn is the act of the devil.”

The woman said that she is pleased with the actions of the Major Crimes investigators which led to the discovery of her brother’s body; however, she condemned the brutal actions of Melbourne, who she said lied to the police.

“He should have been human enough to carry my brother to the hospital…. He should’ve been alive. It was a brutal act,” the woman said.