Driver charged for death in Rupert Craig Highway crash

Feb 06, 2018 News

A route 44 minibus driver who was allegedly speeding when his vehicle toppled several times and injured 16 persons was yesterday charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Forty-one-year-old Eustace Gentle, of Lot 51 Buxton, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was released on $500,000 bail.
The charge alleged that on January 11, last, at Rupert Craig Highway, he drove minibus BWW 1243 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Elaine Seaforth.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by the Magistrate. He was represented by Attorney-at-law, George Thomas.
The lawyer, in his application to secure bail for his client, told the court that his client sustained three broken ribs, a broken hand and shoulder and severe injuries to his head.
The lawyer added that his client has been a driver for over 18 years. He asked that bail be granted to him because he is not a flight risk since he has no pending matter and no conviction.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant but asked that it be in a substantial amount and that conditions be attached.
Facts presented by the prosecutor stated that on the day in question the defendant who was the driver of minibus BWW 1243 was proceeding west along the southern side of Rupert Craig Highway while motor lorry GGG 5854 was proceeding east along Rupert Craig Highway.
The court heard that the traffic light in the eastern direction showed green and the lorry driver signalled his intention to turn south onto Sheriff Street.
The minibus driver failed to stop at the traffic light which showed red. This resulted in him losing control of his vehicle and toppling several times. The driver then collided with the right front side of the lorry.
Seaforth and the other passengers who were in the vehicle were all taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Seaforth sustained severe injuries to her head and body and was admitted at the institution.
She was later discharged but was readmitted to the hospital where she subsequently succumbed to her injuries.
Condition of the bail is that Gentle report to the Kitty Police Station every Friday until the completion of the trial.
The Magistrate also suspended the defendant driver’s licence until the completion of the trial.
He was instructed to make his next court appearance on February 26.

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