Motorcyclist Melroy Barnwell, who police blame for a Houston Public Road crash that claimed the life of his passenger in June, yesterday admitted to breaking a number of traffic laws but denied responsibility for causing the accident.
Barnwell, 27, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on crutches, was faced with five charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.
The charges against Barnwell state that on June 20th, at Houston Public Road, he drove a motorcycle in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Colette Josiah.
Barnwell pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge.
He was also charged with not being in possession of a driver’s licence, not being in possession of an in-force insurance policy in respect to third party risk, not having a valid certificate of fitness and not being in possession of a licence under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
He pleaded guilty to not being in possession of a licence and not having a licence but entered a not guilty plea for the other charge.
According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, on the day of the accident, Barnwell was proceeding south at a fast rate on the western side of the eastern carriageway of the Houston Public Road.
Jones said he was allegedly travelling at a fast pace and overtook a long line of traffic when he was intercepted by car, PTT 6421, which was proceeding in the opposite lane. He said Barnwell attempted to swerve and lost control, causing him to collide with the vehicle.
As a result, both Barnwell and Josiah, the pillion rider on the bike, were flung off the cycle and received several injuries. They were later rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Josiah passed away while receiving treatment. A post-mortem report indicated that Josiah suffered a fractured spine, a ruptured liver, a ruptured spleen, a fractured hip and fractured ribs.
Barnwell also sustained a broken leg and damages to his hip, which resulted in him having to undergo two surgeries to implant steel.
The prosecutor stated that when asked to produce documentation for the bike, Barnwell did not do so. He added that the records at the Guyana Revenue Authority revealed that he was not granted a licence for the motorcycle.
However, when given the opportunity to address the court, Barnwell stated that no officers spoke to him in relation to any documentation and no statement was taken from him. He added that it was not his fault that the accident occurred because he was not riding in the wrong lane.
As a result of his explanation, a not guilty plea was entered by the Chief Magistrate for the causing of death charge. She, however, fined him $30,000 or 8 weeks’ imprisonment for each charge related to not having a licence and valid fitness.
His bail on the causing death charge was initially set at $500,000 but it was reduced to $350,000 after attorney Nigel Hughes made an appearance for him and requested a reduction given the injuries that he sustained. The matter was adjourned to October 18th.
