The driver of the car which plunged into a trench at Gangaram Settlement, East Canje on November 23 resulting in the death of a passenger was on Monday charged with causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail.
Dudnauth Bedessie, 23, of No.2 Village, Canje, Berbice appeared before Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo at the New Amsterdam Court and was placed on $400,000 bail. It is alleged that on November 23, he drove his car in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Satesh Praimnanand.
Police had said at the time that both men were under the influence of alcohol. The police said that while the vehicle was travelling along the roadway, Satesh, 24, reportedly pulled up the hand brake, causing Bedessie to lose control of the car which ended up in a trench. Bedessie managed to exit the vehicle and summoned the assistance of public spirited persons who then took out Satesh from the vehicle. The incident occurred at about 8:30 that evening.
Bedessie was ordered to return to court on December 16. Also appearing before the magistrate was Shawn Smith of Tucberg Park, New Amsterdam, who was charged with driving under the influence. He was fined $7 500 and his driver’s licence was endorsed, the police said in a press statement.
Meantime, also on Monday, two other men appeared in court and admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol. They were fined. The police said that Abdul Samad of Blairmont, West Bank Berbice, and Deonarine Sahadeo of No.7 Village, West Coast Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Nigel Hawke at the Blairmont Court on charges of driving under the influence.
They both pleaded guilty and were each fined $20 000 or six months imprisonment.