– license suspended
Months after a seven-year-old girl was crushed to death during an accident at Agricola, Georgetown, a 39-year-old driver was this morning released on $500,000 bail after appearing at the city court.
Danion Welcome appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 1, 2019, at Agricola Public Road, Georgetown, he drove motor lorry GWW 962 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Ciara Benjamin.
Welcome was represented by Attorney-at-law, James Bond who asked that his client be released on reasonable bail.
The lawyer told the court that since the incident, his client is unable to work due to injuries he received during a beating by residents of the Agricola community.
He added that his client was advised by a doctor to seek medical treatment abroad.
Nevertheless, Bond went on to tell the court that if bail is granted to his client, he will adhere to any conditions.
Facts Presented by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question, around 16:10 hrs, Welcome, who was driving motor lorry GWW 962, was proceeding at a fast rate of speed on the Agricola Public Road.
He added that Welcome lost control of his vehicle and collided with the child who was standing at the median. The accident resulted in the child’s legs being severed.
The matter was reported and following investigations, a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who advised that Welcome be charged over the child’s death.
The Prosecutor also told the court that the DPP advice that his driver’s license be suspended.
While the Prosecutor did not object to bail being granted to the defendant, he asked that it be in a substantial amount.
The Chief Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Welcome on $500,000 bail.
Conditions of the bail are that he lodge his passport with the court and report every Friday to the officer in charge at the Ruimveldt Police Station until the hearing and determination of the trial.
The Chief Magistrate also suspected his driver’s license until the hearing and determination of the matter.
The father of four was instructed to make his next court appearance on September, 23 for statements.
