Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday granted $200,000 bail to a Route 41 minibus driver accused of causing the death of a motorcyclist by driving dangerously along the road.
The charge stated that on November 15, at Aubrey Barker Road, Kevin Hope allegedly drove motor minibus BNN 9334 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of 40-year-old Patrice “Mitch” Welcome of Lot M11-1058 Critchlow Street, Tucville and of Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Hope pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and the matter was adjourned until January 23, 2012.
The prosecutor told the court that on the said day, on Aubrey Barker Road, the accused, while being the driver of BNN 9334, was proceeding east behind a motor car that was heading in the same direction when he attempted to overtake the car and allegedly collided with motorcycle CG 197 which Welcome was riding. The motorcycle was proceeding west along the southern side of Aubrey Barker Road. As a result of the collision, Welcome fell and suffered severe head injuries.
He was then taken to the Georgetown hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His attorney, Omeyana Hamilton applied for bail on the grounds that he is not a flight risk.
The prosecution did not object to bail; however, the magistrate ordered the defendant to lodge his passport with the court.
