Lance Corporal Kester Bowen, the soldier seen in a now viral video assaulting a police officer at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), pleaded guilty to three traffic charges and was fined on Monday.
Bowen, who is attached to the Guyana Defence force (GDF) Coast Guard, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Wales Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were read to him.
He pleaded guilty to the charges that on October 9th, 2020, he drove an uninsured vehicle, that he drove an uncertified vehicle and that he drove a vehicle with prohibited tinted glass.
He was fined a total of $42,500 for the three offences.
His attorney, Glen Hanoman, told this newspaper that Bowen remains in the custody of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and is still waiting to be charged for the assault of the policeman.
Bowen was arrested after his assault on the police officer, who was on duty at the bridge.
The incident occurred around 8pm on Friday and was recorded by other motorists, who shared it on social media.
According to a Guyana Police Force report, Constable 24030 Wilson, who was at the time conducting anti-crime patrol duties at the DHB, observed a dark grey car, driven by the GDF Lance Corporal, trying to change lanes.
The action of the soldier caused a congestion of traffic, the police said.
As a result, Constable Wilson approached the GDF rank, told him of the offence committed and instructed him to pull to the corner of the road.
The police said the soldier became annoyed, exited the vehicle and allegedly shoved Constable Wilson.
Constable Wilson, with the assistance of other ranks, were later successful in arresting Bowen.
Constable Wilson was taken to the West Demerara Regional hospital, where he was treated and discharged.
