Brandon Rahaman, who was accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of another on Phagwah Day last year was yesterday freed of the charge at the end of a trial.
Rahaman of 248 Bourda Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, was charged with driving motor pick-up GRR 4883 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Wazir Khan on March 17, 2014 at Houston, East Bank Demerara.
He had denied the charge when he first appeared in court and was placed on $1 million bail. The trial commenced last November. At yesterday’s hearing of the matter, Magistrate Judy Latchman after reviewing all of the testimony, told the court that there was no evidence that Rahaman fell short of the standard and care of a competent driver at the time of the accident and therefore dismissed the matter.
The trial saw a total of nine witnesses testify and was prosecuted by Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte while Rahaman was represented by new Attorney General Basil Williams. However, at yesterday’s proceedings, Attorney Lawrence Harris appeared on his behalf.
Stabroek News had previously reported that the occupants of the vehicle were heading to the Phagwah festivities at the National Stadium when Rahaman lost control of the vehicle, reportedly after someone in the tray threw powder and obscured his vision. According to Rahaman, he tried to apply the brakes, but a tire blew out and sent the vehicle toppling on the East Bank Public Road.
Rahaman walked out of the court room calmly after he was freed of the charge.
