With prosecution witnesses lined up, Budhram Heeralall, a 40-year-old driver of Good Hope Housing Scheme, ECD, went on trial at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs over a serious accident in April 2023 that left a city businessman with brain damage.
After testimony before the court on July 16th, the defence asked for August 5th to make its case to which the prosecution will reply by August 19th. The court is then expected to rule on August 26th.
On April 10, 2023, Allan Downes, a 52-year-old businessman of Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara, was struck down by a SUV at Turkeyen, Rupert Craig Highway and the driver fled the scene.
The police report stated that the incident occurred at about 5.30 am on the northern carriageway of the Rupert Craig Highway at Turkeyen involving motor jeep # PAC 5314 owned by Jaiwantee Edwin of Good Hope Housing Scheme, ECD and driven by Heeralall.
The police report stated that Heeralall was proceeding east along on the northern lane of the Rupert Craig Highway at Turkeyen when he claimed that Downes ran across from the southern lane to the northern lane and into his path. Heeralall said he swerved to avoid a collision but despite his effort, the front part of the vehicle collided with Downes who sustained injuries about his body. Downes was picked up in a semi-conscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Heeralall had said that he panicked and drove away from the scene. Police Corporal Persaud, acting on information received, visited the home of the owner of the vehicle at about 10:00 hours where the driver was located, arrested and escorted to Turkeyen Police Station.
Downes was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital months after the accident. His wife, Marysia Bento Downes, told Stabroek News on Tuesday that he suffered brain damage and is currently undergoing therapy.
