A truck driver yesterday became the second person to be charged with causing the death of a woman last year along the Diamond, East Bank Demerara public road, where she was struck after exiting a car near the Diamond Hospital.
Ron Walker, 25, of 77 Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was read the causing death by dangerous driving charge by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown.
The charge alleged that he and Keith Hollingsworth, on August 21st, 2017, at Diamond Public Road, drove GDD 9817 and PJJ 8918, respectively, and caused the death of Samsoonisha Batulan.
Walker denied the charge.
Hollingsworth, 47, of 88 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, who was also read the charge on January 19th but was not required to enter a plea, was allowed to enter a plea yesterday. He too denied the allegation levelled against him.
The court had previously been told that on the day in question, around 9 am, Hollingsworth was proceeding in front of Walker’s vehicle along the western carriageway of the public road. Batulan, who had been in another vehicle, PRR 7589, was put off in the vicinity of the Diamond Hospital.
It is alleged that after Hollingsworth overtook the vehicle the deceased had exited, the truck driven by Walker then slammed into the vehicle, causing it to spin and hit the woman. She was later picked up and taken to the Diamond Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers made no objection to bail being granted to Walker, but requested that conditions be applied. Chief Magistrate McLennan later granted the accused $200,000 bail and ordered that he report every Friday to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Hollingsworth was previously granted his release on $200,000 bail and ordered to lodge his passport. The proceedings have been adjourned until February 20th.
