Randy Seepersaud, 22, the driver of the car that slammed into a utility pole on Phagwah night at Borlam Turn, Corentyne, resulting in the death of his friend, has been charged with causing death and driving under the influence.
Seepersaud offered not guilty pleas to charges of causing the death of Shazam Ishmile, by dangerous driving and driving under the influence when he appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on Wednesday.
Seepersaud, of Lot 1 Seawell Village, Corentyne, was represented by attorney Chandra Sohan, who requested bail for his client, while arguing that he was not a flight risk. According to Sohan, Seepersaud swerved from a stray animal along the road, which resulted in the fatal crash.
Although Prosecutor Godfrey Playter objected to bail based on the nature and prevalence of the offences, Magistrate Moore granted Seepersaud his release on $400,000 bail. Seepersaud was also required to lodge his passport.
Seepersaud was taking Ishmile home when he allegedly lost control of his car and slammed into the utility pole. At the time of the crash, Seepersaud was reportedly driving under the influence, with Ishmile in the front seat and another friend, Anthony Ramlochan, 23, of Canje, in the back seat.
The three friends, after completing their work on Sunday, Phagwah day, went to a bar and drank before proceeding to Palmyra. It was when Seepersaud was dropping Ishmile home that he crashed the car, PMM 865.
Ishmile, also known as ‘Imran,’ 23, of Lot 17 Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant, Corentyne was pronounced dead on arrival at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, while Ramlochan has since been admitted in the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing broken limbs.
Ishmile was laid to rest on Thursday.
