Seven months after allegedly fleeing the scene of the fatal Nismes accident which claimed the life of a senior citizen, the man accused of being responsible was yesterday charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Gregory Bess was brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who read him a charge which states that on January 28th, at Nismes Public Road, West Bank Demerara, he drove motor cycle CJ 5283 and caused the death of 70-year-old Herbert Caesar, a pedal cyclist, by driving in a manner dangerous to the public.
A second charge read to the accused stated that on the very date and at the very location, being the driver of motorcycle CJ5283, he failed to stop after an accident occurred.
Bess, 26, denied both crimes.
Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to the accused being granted bail, while voicing his fear that Bess would not avail himself for trial. The prosecutor added that Bess immediately fled the area after the accident and despite efforts by the police he could not be contacted.
The prosecutor added that it was only Tuesday, August 27th, that the police, acting on information received, went to the home of the Bess’ common-law wife at La Parfaite Harmonie, where they made contact with him. He allegedly made an attempt to escape but was arrested by police.
Bess was later remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate and the matter was adjourned until September 5th, when it is expected to be called at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.
After the accident, Caesar, a father of three of Lot 95-96 Nismes Public Road, was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a press release, the police said enquiries revealed that the motorcyclist was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway of the public road, at a fast rate of speed when he allegedly struck down Caesar.
Caesar would have celebrated his 71st birthday on the day after his death.
