-fined $50,000 for DUI

A man was refused bail after he pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving and was fined $50,000 for admitting his guilt to driving under the influence (DUI) when he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday.

Imran Khaleel pleaded not guilty to driving his car HB 8501 on the Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara,  in a manner dangerous to the public on August 28.  However, he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, on the same day,  to such an extent to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.

Khaleel, 28, of 406 Section C, Block Y, Golden Grove, EBD, was represented by attorney Randolph Eleazer.  The attorney told the court that on the day, his client was heading home from a birthday party where he had a few drinks but didn’t imbibe excessively.

He said that Khaleel did not drive dangerously but had swerved to avoid a cyclist.

However Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield said that Khaleel was proceeding along the Grove Public Road at a fast rate of speed which resulted in a collision with a mini bus which was heading south causing extensive damage to the left front of the bus and injuries to its five passengers.

Mansfield added that the defendant was arrested and a breathalyzer test administered where it was found that his blood alcohol level amounted to 0.106mg when the prescribed level is 0.35mg.

He was arrested and charged for the traffic offences.

Meanwhile, the driver of the minibus involved in the accident, Adrian Persaud told the court that while he was heading south he noticed the vehicle driven by Khaleel in his lane and tried his best to avoid a collision.  He said that he tried to pull to the corner but the car slammed into his vehicle resulting in injuries to its passengers.

Khaleel was then refused bail on the dangerous driving charge and the matter was put down for September 6 at Providence Magistrate’s Court.

He was fined $50,000 on the DUI charge.