The trial of minibus driver Derrick Da Silva, accused of causing the death of an elderly man in the city in July, began on Tuesday, when three witnesses took the stand.
It is alleged that on July 30, at Hadfield and Smyth streets, Da Silva drove a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 70-year-old Philbert Adonis.
Da Silva allegedly failed to stop at an intersection and collided with a vehicle that hit Adonis, who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Police Constable Treyon Willie was among the three witnesses who testified at the start of the trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Willie, who is attached to the Traffic Department of the Brickdam Police Station, said that on arrival at the scene of the accident, he observed that the left side of the bumper of Da Silva’s minibus was pushed inwards and the lights of the front section of the vehicle were damaged. A car, he added, was facing north of Hadfield Street with its rear left side fender pushed inwards.
According to Willie, he asked both drivers how the accident occurred. They were later taken to the Brickdam Police Station, where they lodged their vehicle documents. He said that the driver of the car was released on bail, while the minibus driver was kept in custody on the instructions of a commander.
Willie told the court that he later went to the Georgetown Hospital, where he learned that Adonis was in an unconscious state. At about 11:30 pm the same day, he said, he received a phone call from the hospital and was made aware that Adonis had succumbed to his injuries.
After Adonis’ death, Willie said he cautioned Da Silva, who invoked his right to remain silent.
Representing Da Silva, attorney Glenn Hanoman asked Willie if he knew who collided with Adonis. Willie said that he had no knowledge. He was also unable to say who was the rank who ordered him to keep Da Silva in custody.
Also testifying was Detective Corporal Desmond Johnny, who was deemed as an expert crime scene photographer and examiner.
Johnny stated that he received information about the accident and was sent to take photographs.
At the Brickdam Police Station, he said, he saw a yellow car and a green minibus that he later learned were the two vehicles involved in the accident.
Johnny said he visited the area where the accident occurred and took a number of photographs from different angles and he subsequently printed 14 colour photographs, which were placed in a yellow envelope sealed with a Guyana Police Force Stamp and signed by him. He was shown the photographs and confirmed the signature and stamp of certification.
Meanwhile, Simone Adonis, the daughter of the deceased, testified that she identified her father’s body at the hospital on August 3. Adonis further said that she was present at the Le Repentir Cemetery for her father’s burial.
The trial will continue on November 30.
