A Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) man was released on bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday, charged with causing the death of 18-year-old Bariel Hall, who succumbed to his injuries on August 5th, two months after he was the victim of a hit-and-run.
Denesh Dhanraj, 31, a cashier of Grove, EBD, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on May 25th, 2019 at Avenue of the Republic, he drove motor car PTT 4183 in a manner dangerous to the public there by causing the death of Hall.
In an application for bail, the attorney for the cashier told the court that Dhanraj is responsible for and supports his younger brother with his education. In addition, the court was told that Dhanraj would submit to any conditions imposed if released on bail.
Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that on the day in question, Dhanraj was speeding along the Avenue of the Republic when he collided with Hall, who was crossing the road. It was reported that Hall fell onto the road after being hit. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The prosecutor did not object to bail being granted. However, he asked that conditions be attached if granted.
Dhanraj was released on $500,000 bail and ordered to lodge his passport with the court. He is also required to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Monday at 8 am until the matter is completed.
His next appearance in court will be on November 14th.
According to information reported, at the time of the incident, Hall was making his way home from a J’Ouvert event hosted during the Guyana Carnival season. Public-spirited persons in the area at the time took him to the GPH where he remained a patient for over two months. An autopsy revealed that the teen died as a result of multiple complications related to injuries stemming from the crash.
