Mahendra Surujpersaud, 20, of Lot 22 Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, yesterday appeared before Magistrate Alicia George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
It was alleged that on Sunday, November 5, while on Agriculture Road, he drove a truck, GAD 6445, in a manner deemed dangerous to the public causing the death of 19-year-old Glenroy James.
Surujpersaud pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was also charged with operating a vehicle without insurance and driving without a licence. He pleaded not guilty to those charges as well.
The defence counsel told the court that the deceased’s family and the defendant have come to an agreement, but the magistrate refused to accept such claims and instead suggested that they engage the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
Bail was set at $500,000 for the causing death by dangerous driving charge, for breach of insurance bail was set at $15,000 and for driving without a licence, $15,000.
The magistrate emphasised that unless the DPP gives advice on the settlement issue, she is not inclined to entertain it.
The particulars of the offence state that the lorry was proceeding south along Agriculture Road when, the driver alleged, its right front wheel hit a 25-foot pole that was across the western side of the road. The vehicle toppled several times and then collided with a utility pole on the western parapet. The driver and two occupants were thrown out of the lorry.
James, who was unconscious, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by the police, while public-spirited citizens conveyed Surujpersaud and Motielall. James was pronounced dead on arrival, but Surujpersaud and Motielall were treated for abrasions and discharged.
