Arnold Rodney Castello, the 27-year-old minibus driver, who was driving when he collided with 42-year-old labourer Mahendra Dyal, resulting in his death, last Saturday, was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $750,000.
In the afternoon session at the Anna Regina’s Magistrate Court, Magistrate Esther Sam read the charge to Castello which stated that on Saturday 30th September, he, as a result of dangerous driving, caused the death of Dyal of Perth, Essequibo Coast.
Police Prosecutor Haimwant Ramsewak told the court that around 9:15 am on September 30th, 2017, Castello, who was the driver of the minibus bearing licence plate BWW 2943, drove in a dangerous manner to the public, and as a result, Dyal who was on his pedal cycle was pinned to the bus and dragged some distance, thus sustaining injuries which he succumbed to, whilst on the way to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Castello pleaded not guilty to the charge. Costello was represented by attorney at law Onassis Granville who noted that her client is not a flight risk and has a fixed place of abode at Lot 253 Richmond, Essequibo Coast. She said that her client has no pending matters before the court and will attend his trial if bail is granted.
However, Prosecutor Ramsewak objected to bail considering the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He further noted that there are witnesses who have outstanding statements to provide to the police, and if granted bail Castello may attempt to contact them.
After considering the matter Magistrate Sam granted bail in the sum of $ 750,000.
Castello was ordered to return to court on the 31st October for continuation into the matter.
Earlier in the day, three other charges were read to Castello, and according to the police, for offences which were committed earlier in last week. In the first instance, the charge stated that Castello drove in a dangerous manner, for which he was granted bail in the sum of $40,000. On the second charge of crossing the solid yellow line, Castello was placed on $5,000 bail, while on the third count, he was granted bail of $15,000 for breaching the road service licence.
