The taxi driver accused of causing 78-year-old Eileen August to suffer a broken leg and hip in a collision was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
Ray Stephens, 32, of 764 Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was slapped with charges of dangerous driving, failing to render assistance and failing to report an accident.
It is alleged that on July 27 at Georgetown, Stephens drove motor car PLL 6488 in a manner dangerous to the public. On the same day, it is also alleged that Stephens drove the said car and an accident occurred, causing injuries to Eileen August, and he failed to render assistance to her by taking her to a medical practitioner. On the same day also, the said Stephens is alleged to have failed to report the accident to a police officer within 24 hours.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him by the magistrate.
Attorney-at-law Ronald Burch-Smith who represented the defendant told the court that his client was innocent of the charges for which he stands accused.
He then made an application that his client be admitted to reasonable bail on the grounds that Stephens has no previous convictions, poses no risk of flight, has a fixed place of abode and has been cooperating with the police in their investigations.
Police Prosecutor Munilall Seetaram told the court that on the day in question; the accused was speeding when he hit the virtual complainant (VC).
Seetaram then asked that the defendant be denied bail. According to the prosecution, the failure of the accused to take the VC to seek immediate medical attention could have ultimately resulted in her death. This, Seetaram argued, was an inhumane act on the part of the defendant.
Despite his lengthy submissions the lawyer failed in his attempt to secure bail for his client.
Stephens was subsequently remanded to prison until August 24.
According to reports, the 78-year-old woman was taken to her home by Stephens after he reportedly hit her down with his car, causing her to sustain a broken leg and hip.
She remains a patient in the Female Surgical Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) after spending in excess of ten days in her house fighting excruciating pain and longing to be rescued. She is however recuperating and said to be in a stable condition.
Stephens was apprehended and taken into police custody on Sunday.
