The driver involved in the Essequibo Coast accident that claimed the life of 21-year-old pedal cyclist Govindra Persaud was on Thursday charged with causing his death.
The accused, Jason Persaud, also 21, of Charity, Essequibo Coast, was faced with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and three other charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol.
Jason was arraigned before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Leguan Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the minor charges. He was not required to plead to the causing death by dangerous driving charge.
After the charges were read, Jason was granted his release on $300,000 bail on the causing death charge.
On the other charges—failing to stop after an accident, failure to render assistance to an injured person and driving under the influence of alcohol—Persaud was asked to post $25,000 bail.
The matters were adjourned and transferred to the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where they are slated for hearings on November 25th.
On the night of October 28th, Govindra was struck down on the Evergreen, Essequibo Coast Public Road.
Govindra, of Somerset and Berks, Essequibo Coast, sustained injuries about his body including to his head and succumbed to his injuries while being transferred to the Suddie Hospital.
Stabroek News understands that at the time of the accident, Jason’s car, PXX 6207 was proceeding west along the southern side of the Evergreen Public Road at a fast rate.
The driver reportedly alleged that he observed Persaud some distance ahead of him proceeding in the said direction in a “zig zag” manner.
Upon noticing this, the driver said he blew his horn and applied brakes.
However, the car collided with the rear wheel of the pedal cycle.
As a result of the impact, Govindra was launched into the air and landed on the roadway.
The driver was subjected to a breathalyser test, which found that his breath alcohol content was above the legal limit, a police source said.
