Latest update October 26th, 2026 10:20 AM
No-case submission upheld in causing death by dangerous driving matter
(Kaieteur News) – A 32-year-old driver who was charged in 2024 for causing the death of Andrew Adams, called “Greg,” has been freed after a no-case submission was upheld due to the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence.
(From left to right) Charged Joseph Gladwin also known as ‘Menty’ and Dead, Andrew Adams also known as ‘Greg’
In 2024, Joseph Gladwin, also known as “Menty,” was charged with causing the death of Adams, who reportedly died on January 24, 2024, on the Citrus Grove Main Access Road, Port Kaituma, Region One.
Gladwin first appeared virtually before senior magistrate Dylon Bess at the Port Kaituma Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving contrary to Section 35(1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02. He was granted bail in the sum of $1 million.
During the trial, Gladwin was represented by attorney Bernard Da Silva. A no-case submission was later filed by the defense, and on Wednesday, the matter was dismissed after the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence linking Gladwin to the crime.
According to the no-case submission, at the prima facie stage of proceedings, the prosecution was required to prove: That the crime charged was committed and that the accused was responsible; that the deceased died as a result of an accident; and that the defendant, on January 24, 2024, at Citrus Grove Main Access Road, Port Kaituma, drove motor vehicle PYY 8713 in a dangerous manner, thereby causing the death of Julius Andrew Adams, called Greg.
Da Silva argued that the prosecution failed to factually prove that the deceased died as a result of a vehicular accident, or that the defendant was the driver of the vehicle that allegedly caused Adams’ death.
“The prosecution abysmally failed to prove the elements of the charge as set out in Section 35(1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02 — to wit, causing death by dangerous driving,” Da Silva wrote in the submission.
The defense further noted that although Gladwin was the custodian of motor car PYY 8713 on the day in question, there was no evidence suggesting he was involved in an accident. No eyewitnesses were called to testify that the defendant drove dangerously, and the only statement before the court was Gladwin’s caution statement, in which he admitted to being out with his car, but stated that he returned home safely.
The case submission further stated that the post-mortem examination (PM #136/2024), dated January 30, 2024, listed the cause of death as multiple injuries, but did not indicate that those injuries were consistent with a motor vehicle accident. “The pathologist was not called to explain his findings. However, Inferences can be drawn that; someone may have murdered Julius Adams,” the file stated.
Da Silva also highlighted that photographic evidence, the defect sheet, and the testimony of police showed no signs of recent damage, bloodstains, torn clothing, or any corroborating evidence linking the defendant’s vehicle to the alleged incident.
“Premised on the above, it is respectfully submitted that the prosecution failed to prove, firstly, that Julius Adams died as a result of a motor vehicle accident; and secondly, that it was the defendant who caused his death by dangerous driving,” Da Silva stated.
Reports indicate that the alleged accident occurred around 03:00 hrs on January 24, a day before Adams celebrated his 30th birthday. He was reportedly found with multiple injuries about his body and was rushed to the Port Kaituma Regional Hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.
Family members said Adams had called a sibling earlier that night requesting a ride home, but later decided to walk. His sister told reporters that her brother was struck by a man known as “Menty,” who allegedly fled the scene after the collision.
“Somebody else was passing and saw my brother and called the police. Then the ambulance came and took him to the hospital,” she said.
According to her, Adams was conscious when taken to the hospital but was unable to identify who hit him. “He could not answer them because he was in pain. The doctor said that he bleed to death. His foot break up and he lost a lot of blood and that is what caused him to die,” she recounted.
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