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High Court Marshal gets $800,000 bail on causing death charge
Senior High Court Marshal, Patrick Higgins, was released on $800,000 bail yesterday, after pleading not guilty
Patrick Higgins
to allegedly causing the death of an MMC security guard by dangerous driving on Republic Day.
Higgins, of Lot 627 Section B Diamond, East Bank Demerara denied the allegation which stated that on February 23, at Houston Public Road, he drove motorcar PTT 4701 in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of Juene Carroll Marshall, 60, of Lot 43 Virginia Village, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara.
It was further alleged that Higgins drove the car while his breath exceeded the prescribed alcohol limit.
It was reported that Marshall was riding along the thoroughfare around 04:30hrs, when he was struck by the car that was reportedly proceeding at a fast rate. Marshall and his bicycle ended up in a nearby drain.
To both charges, Higgins pleaded not guilty. He was ordered to post bail in the sum of $10,000 on the second charge. The defendant was represented by Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam, Roger Heywood and Dennis Paul.
Heywood presented an application for bail on his behalf. He told the court that there is no evidence that indicates that his client’s breath alcohol level contributed to the accident.
The Attorney said that while the accident was unfortunate, Higgins remained at the scene until police arrived. Heywood pointed out that Higgins willingly assisted with police investigations. The Attorney told the court that on the day in question, at about 4:30hrs the alleged victim was proceeding up the one way while clad in very dark clothing.
According to Heywood, his client has no antecedents pertaining to criminal charges.
However, the Prosecutor objected to bail citing the fact that a life was lost. She pointed out that at the time of the accident, the defendant was driving under the influence of alcohol. The seriousness of the offence was also highlighted by the Prosecutor.
Initially, the Magistrate had set bail for the defendant in the sum of $1M.
However, after Higgins’ lawyer told the court that his client would not be able to post the money a reduction was granted. As it relates to the causing death charge, he will return to court on March 4.
The other matter will be called again on Monday (February 29).
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