Bus driver granted bail for passenger’s death in Little Diamond accident

Davis pleaded not guilty to the charge before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. It is alleged that on January 06, 2015 at Little Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove motor vehicle BSS 9471 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Lynette Joseph.

The Court heard that on the day in question, the defendant was driving at a fast rate, heading north on the Little Diamond Public Road. Police Prosecutor, Bharat Mangru explained that as Davis negotiated a right bend, he lost control of the vehicle and it toppled.

Mangru said the vehicle slid for 26 feet before colliding with a concrete land post. Joseph, a passenger seated three seats behind the driver, was injured in the accident and she subsequently died.

The Prosecutor did not object to Davis’ being granted his pretrial liberty but asked that reporting conditions be attached if bail was granted.

The bus driver was represented by Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-a-Fat who requested reasonable bail. He said his client is a father of two who has been driving for the past seven years but had never been involved in an accident. He claimed that another bus cut in front of Davis forcing him off the road.

Fung-a-Fat said there are three passengers who will testify that his client was not speeding. He told the court that his client is willing to surrender his passport and abide by any condition the court deems fit for bail.

Bail was granted and Davis was ordered lodge his passport with the court and report at 09:00 hours every Friday to the Traffic Officer in Charge at the Providence Police Station.