Bus driver remanded over death of octogenarian

Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday ordered that a 44-year-old bus driver be remanded to prison when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magis-trate’s Court accused of being involved in the accident at the Linden bus park that caused the death of an octogenarian.

Terrence Ramjohn

Terrence Ramjohn of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

He denied that on January 18, he drove minibus BMM 2810 in a dangerous manner to the public which resulted in an accident that caused    the death of 84-year-old Victorine Barron.

His lawyer, Roysdale Forde  applied for reasonable bail for him, stating that he poses no risk of flight. He said that Ramjohn had been a driver for many years and prior to this accident had never been involved in one.

He stated that immediately after the accident his client rushed Barron to the hospital and fully cooperated with the police.

However, Prosecutor Stephen Telford objected to the bail application on the grounds that if released Ramjohn may not return to court for his trial since he may flee the jurisdiction.

The prosecutor pointed out that though Ramjohn may have assisted the deceased in getting to the hospital, he left shortly afterwards and was only apprehended at a roadblock on the East Bank of Demerara.

He said that Ramjohn never reported the matter to the police station, adding that the offence is of a serious nature.

Ramjohn is expected to make another court appearance on January 27.