Former army Chief of Staff Gary Best, who allegedly struck down and killed cyclist Jude Bentley almost one month ago, has been granted his release on $500,000 bail after being formally charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Best, of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, appeared before two Georgetown magistrates yesterday.
He was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, who read the causing death by dangerous driving charge to him. It is alleged that on February 8, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Greater George-town, he drove a car, PRR 812, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Bentley.
Police prosecutor Delon Sullivan objected to Best being granted bail after the charge was read. Sullivan told the Magistrate that he was objecting to Best being released on bail based on the prevalence of the offence, the penalty it attracts and the results of a breathalyser test, which showed that Best’s breath alcohol content had been over the legal limit at the time of the incident.
However, attorney Nigel Hughes, who represented Best, was successful with his application for bail. He told the court that Best had been a serving member of the Guyana Defence Force for over 34 years. He also said that his client had been serving as a presidential adviser at the time of the accident but that he had since opted to suspend his work.
After listening to the arguments of the prosecutor and the attorney, the magistrate granted Best $500,000 bail. She informed the court that it was her opinion that Best is known in society and that she does not believe that he would be a flight risk. However, bail was granted with the condition that he lodge his passport and reports to the Traffic Headquarters once a month. The matter was adjourned until March 17.
Best was then taken to the traffic court, where he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse, who read him the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was released on self-bail and was advised to make his next appearance at the court on March 21.
The accident occurred at approximately 4:31 am as Bentley was riding his cycle, heading east on the Clive Lloyd Drive. At the time, he was proceeding to Sheriff Street to meet a group of cyclists. Best was proceeding in the same direction. He has alleged that the cyclist suddenly appeared in front of him and that he applied brakes and the right side of the front of his vehicle collided with the cyclist, who fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries. A lamp pole on the southern side of the road was dislodged by the vehicle as it came to a stop.
The case has been under close scrutiny as a result of Best’s association with the governing coalition’s re-election campaign.
In the weeks after the accident, friends and family members of Bentley gathered by the court complex where they spent time waiting for Best to be charged.
