After being charged a year ago with causing the death of his common-law wife, who died after they fell from a motorbike along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) public road, Laurent McGarrell was yesterday sentenced to two years for the crime.
The charge against McGarrell states that on July 23rd, 2017, at Providence, he rode motorcycle CJ 1957 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Gaitri Sahadeo.
McGarrell, who was on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, learnt his fate at the conclusion of his trial yesterday in Georgetown.
According to the magistrate, speed played an important role in the accident, which resulted in Sahadeo’s death. Based upon this fact and the supported evidence led by the prosecution’s witnesses, McGarrell was found guilty of the crime. He was later sentenced to two years behind bars for the crime.
During his arraignment, McGarrell was also charged with riding without a helmet, riding without third party insurance and riding without a licence, riding with his alcohol level over the legal limit, and riding without the consent of the owner of the vehicle.
The accident occurred around 12.30 am along the eastern carriageway of the Providence Public Road, where the motorcycle suffered a blowout.
Sahadeo, who was the pillion rider and who was not wearing a helmet, reportedly sustained injuries to the head. She was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she succumbed.
