A motorcyclist was yesterday charged with causing the death of a pedestrian and police said he was unlicensed at the time of fatal accident.
Revon Austin, 23, of Lot 466 Canvas City Wismar, Linden, was granted $300,000 bail after he was arraigned on four charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.
It was alleged by that on October 1, at 1 Mile Public Road, Wismar, Linden, Austin drove motorcycle CG 6271 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Neberne Charles.
It was also alleged that Austin rode the motorcycle while not being the owner of a driver’s licence; while it was without road fitness certification; and without third party insurance.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges after they were read by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry
Police Prosecutor Vernette Pindar said that on October 1, at around 8.45 pm, Austin was riding the north along the western side of the public road at a fast rate when he lost control and collided with pedestrians Henry Belgrave and Charles.
The pedestrians were both picked up by public=spirited persons and taken to the Linden Public Hospital. Belgrave was treated and sent away, while Charles was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he later died.
Pindar added that investigations later found that Austin was not the holder of a driver’s licence and that the motorcycle had no fitness certification and no third party insurance.
Attorney Michael Somersall said that his client was riding his motorcycle when a dog ran across the road. As a result, he explained, Austin attempted to swerve to avoid hitting the animal and ended up in a trench at the corner of the road, colliding with the two pedestrians, in the process.
After noting that Austin never had any previous brush with the law and did not pose a flight risk, Somersall asked that reasonable bail be granted. But the prosecutor objected, based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.
Bail was, however, granted in the sum of $300,000; $150,000 for the causing death charge; and $50,000 for each additional charge. The proceedings were adjourned until January 14.
