The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack has filed an appeal against a ruling made by Magistrate Rhondel Weever to free Gary Best for causing the death of former national cyclist Jude Bentley in a road accident.
Best was indicted on a charge, which alleged that on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Greater Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PRR 8182 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Bentley.
However, on Thursday last, Magistrate Weever freed Best of the charge after she upheld a no-case submission made by the defence attorney.
In the notice of appeal filed, the DPP said, “take notice that this Court will be moved on a day and at an hour of which you shall be informed by the Registrar by Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, Director of Public Prosecutions, Counsel on behalf of the Appellant that the decision given in the above matter by Her Worship. Magistrate Ms. Rhondel Weever at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on the 3rd December 2020, be set aside and/or reversed, and the Respondent be made to pay the costs of this appeal.”
On February 8, last, Bentley was riding his cycle around 05:00 hrs—heading east on Clive Lloyd Drive when he was struck and killed. At the time of the accident, he was proceeding to Sheriff Street to meet a group of cyclists.
