Leron Griffith, the taxi-driver who struck and killed a Surinamese restaurateur on Mandela Avenue in May, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving yesterday.
Griffith, 24, of Lot 1809 Festival City, was denied bail by Magistrate Judy Latchman when he was arraigned yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
It is alleged that Griffith, on May 31, drove motor car HC 2408 in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Feng Xue Fang.
Feng Xue Fang, a Surinamese national who operated a restaurant on Mandela Avenue with her family, was killed on the spot as she was crossing the road.
Griffith initially pleaded guilty to the charge, prompting Magistrate Latchman to ask him whether he was aware that with a guilty plea he could be given up to five years imprisonment. He stated that he wasn’t aware of the implication and after being given a few minutes to rethink his decision, Griffith changed his plea to not guilty.
Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, the penalty involved and the possibility that if bail is granted Griffith may not return to court.
Hunt also asked for Griffith’s driver’s licence to be suspended pending the outcome of the matter. He noted that based on the seriousness of the crime committed, according
to Section 112 of Traffic Law Offences Act 51:02, a licence suspension was recommended.
As a result, Magistrate Latchman remanded Griffith to prison and suspended his licence.
The case will continue on September 1 at Court One.
