A poultry farmer was yesterday released on $400,000 bail after denying that he caused the death of a pedestrian through dangerous driving.
Mark Fernandes, 29, of Lot 10 Second Street, Subryanville, Georgetown, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where his lawyer said that it was another driver who struck the victim, Sarswattie Harry-Persaud.
The allegation against Fernandes is that on October 14, at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, he drove motor vehicle GRR 9735 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Harry-Persaud.
He was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him.
The prosecution’s case is that Fernandes was driving at a fast rate along the road when he collided with Harry-Persaud, who was crossing the road at the time.
According to Prosecutor Michael Grant, the woman sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where she subsequently died.
Fernandes’ attorney, during her submission to the court, said that she was told that Harry-Persaud ran across the road and was struck by a vehicle that was ahead of her client’s vehicle. She said the vehicle swerved and caused a collision with her client’s vehicle.
When asked, the prosecutor, however, told the court that no other vehicle was involved in the accident.
Fernandes, his lawyer said, assisted the injured woman to the hospital after the accident. The lawyer added that he is prepared to render whatever financial and other assistance he can for funeral arrangements. She asked that he be granted reasonable bail, while noting that he has a fixed address, no antecedents and has been cooperating with police.
After hearing the submissions, the magistrate granted Fernandes $400,000 bail with the condition that he reports every other Friday to Sergeant Mullers at the Providence Police Station, from October 31.
He is to make his next court appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on November 17.
