Nakash Persaud, the driver who was charged with causing three deaths by dangerous driving following a series of hit and runs on the Corentyne in June 2014, has been found guilty and will serve a sentence of four years.
The charges, which were read separately, stated that on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, he drove PPP 5842 at Philippi Farm in a manner that was dangerous to the public, causing the deaths of Tabitha Latoya Bagot, 19; Juanita Malika Bagot, 16; and three-year-old Shamaine Cort, all of Philippi Farm, Corentyne. Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh presided over the trial at the Whim Magistrate’s Court. It ended three weeks ago and Persaud was sentenced to three four-year prison terms yesterday. They will run concurrently.
Persaud, 18, of Lot 121 Number 51 Village, Corentyne started serving his sentence at the end of the trial since the probation report was delayed.
In a report presented to the court yesterday, Probation Officer Claudette Munroe stated that the accused “feels bad towards the offence.” Munroe indicated that during their interview he had indicated that on the night in question he had drunk two beers before travelling home. Munroe went on to explain that the accused told her that whilst driving, something flew into his eye and he wasn’t aware that he had struck down several persons. He told her that he became aware of the incidents after he was chased by public-spirited persons and cornered at Number 35 Village, where he lost control of his car and crashed into a drain. The probation report also revealed that Persaud had never had any problems with the law prior to the accident and has always been a helpful individual in society.
Persaud, who was represented by attorney Chandra Sohan, expressed remorse. Sohan echoed a similar sequence of events from the accident as presented in the probation report. During the mitigation plea, he also told the court that there had been talks between the two parties for a settlement of $1.5 million compensation for each of the deceased, but the family was only willing to accept the compensation if all could have been paid on one occasion. However, Persaud failed to comply with the terms as he was unable to generate the money.
Sohan asked the court to exercise its discretion and be lenient in sentencing.
Meanwhile, Persaud is expected to return to court on Monday, July 13, to know his fate on the additional charges, 5 counts of failure to stop after an accident, 5 counts of failure to render assistance and 1 count of driving under the influence of alcohol. A breathalyzer test conducted on Persaud right after the accident found that he had consumed 68 microgrammes of alcohol, which was above the legally permitted amount of 35 microgrammes.
During the trial Persaud was represented by attorney at Rodwell Jagmohan while the case of the state was presented by Police Prosecutor inspector Godfrey Playter.
It was reported that on June 11, Persaud first struck down Delroy Park, who was cycling home from work at Kilmarnock Village. The driver reportedly failed to stop and sped away. He then slammed into the Bagot sisters and their three-year-old niece as they were walking home from the shop. They reportedly died on the spot. The accused then fled from that scene and struck down Matthew McBean, who along with Park was seriously injured.
Persaud had been placed on $1.5 million bail in October 2014.
