A Brazilian pastor who was remanded to prison after being charged with causing the death of a motorcyclist, made his second appearance in court yesterday to plead to his charge.
Haleno Luiz, 36, was brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday and was re-read a charge which stated that on March 3, at Hadfield and Smyth streets, he drove motor van PPP 4765 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Maurice Moseley. Luiz, a senior pastor at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Luiz’s attorney, Mark Waldron, made an application for reasonable bail on behalf of his client. Waldron told the court that Luiz will lodge his passport at the nearest police station, and is willing to comply with any conditions set by the court for bail.
Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore, told the court that he had no objections to the accused receiving bail, provided that he lodges his travel documents with the court and reports to a police officer on days designated by the court.
The defence provided the court with the Church’s address, Lot 36, Robb and Cummings streets, but the Chief Magistrate shared her concern with the court that the accused has not provided the court with a home address that is based in Guyana. She said that she was also concerned that the accused might attempt to flee the jurisdiction since he is not a Guyanese.
Despite the plea from the defence and the prosecutor for bail, the Chief Magistrate denied bail for Luiz. She noted that the court was not satisfied with the address provided by the defence and the accused is deemed a flight risk. Luiz was further remanded to prison and will return to court on March 29 for statements.
It is the police’s case that Luiz was proceeding east on Hadfield Street at a fast rate and failed to stop at the intersection. As a result of his failure to stop, Moseley, who was riding a motorcycle along Smyth Street, collided with Luiz’s vehicle. Moseley was then taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
